The Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), in collaboration with the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) as the local host organized the Second APACC International Accreditors’ Refresher Training from February 15-16, 2019 at PSSCIVE, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

The training aimed to ensure the same level of understanding among Accreditors on the APACC criteria, indicators, and sub-indicators due to the recent updates on APACC documents and procedures. Another objective was to impart training on the roles, responsibilities, and attributes expected of APACC Accreditors.

A total of nine Accreditors and Officials from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended the training and shared academic inputs during the discussions.

Presentation by Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane

The program was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Nilesh Khare, Dean Executive, Education and Director, Business School, Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal. Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey presided over the inaugural function.

Opening Program

APACC President Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane discussed the rationale and updates in the seven APACC criteria namely: (1) Governance and Management; (2) Teaching and Learning; (3) Human Resources; (4) Research and Development; (5) Image and Sustainability; (6) Other Resources and (7) Support to Students. During the two-day event, he imparted the updates on APACC processes and procedures as well as practical information such as desirable characteristics of APACC Accreditors and rules in the conduct of on-site visits.

The Joint Director of PSSCIVE and former Acting APACC President Prof. Dr. Rajesh P. Khambayat, apart from participating in the program, contributed his expertise through delivery of lecture titled “Advancing Vocation Education and Training – Learning from Practice”. Dr. Vinay Swarup Mehrotra, Professor and Head of Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and Curriculum Development and Evaluation Centre, PSSCIVE, Bhopal acted as Local Coordinator and participated in the training as well.

Presentation by Dr. Rajesh Khambayat

Aside from lectures, the participants were tasked to formulate sample questions for the sub-indicators which will guide them during on-site visit interviews. A mock audit was also facilitated to depict the actual set-up during institutional evaluation, keeping in view the do’s and don’ts in conducting on-site visits.

Dr. Rajesh P. Khambayat, Dr. Anoop Swarup, and Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane during the Valedictory Session Planting of saplings

The program was capped by a Valedictory Session graced by Dr. Anoop Swarup, Vice Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal. Saplings were planted after the program to commemorate the event.