Mangaluru: The department of mechanical engineering at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, here signed a memorandum of understanding with V&G Industrial Testing Laboratories Pvt Ltd here on July 9. The MOU relates to the training and use of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques among the students and faculty of SJEC. For SJEC, the agreement was signed by Dr Sudheer M, HOD – mechanical engineering, Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal – SJEC, and Fr Joseph Lobo, director – SJEC. On behalf of V&G, the agreement was signed by Girish Babu, executive director.

As per the agreement, the parties will work towards training the mechanical engineering students of SJEC towards becoming skilled NDT professionals. Dr Sudheer M, HOD – ME, opined that this MOU will work in the lines of Skill India campaign launched by the GOI to generate skilled engineers. Dr Sudheer also thanked V&G for their interest and participation in this process. Girish Babu, executive director – V&G, expressed his interest in contributing towards the practical understanding and hands-on skills of the students in the field of structural integrity and material testing.

According to the MOU, initiatives will be taken to provide industrial exposure to not only students but also the faculty. Babu also sought the expertise of the faculty in the department of mechanical engineering to provide training to employees of V&G to improve their understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts in material testing. Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal – SJEC welcomed the MOU and wished the parties the very best in their future endeavors. Dr Gonsalvis also stated that this MOU is one of the many steps taken by SJEC in promoting industrial interaction and partnerships. Fr Joseph Lobo, director – SJEC congratulated the department of mechanical engineering and V&G on the ratification of this MOU and made the observation that, industrial collaborations are vital for the success of engineering education.