The upsurge in the present day usage of new technology appliances and gadgets in every Indian household, demands a workforce with specialized skills for their maintenance. Tiruchirappalli Regional Engineering College - Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (TREC-STEP), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has evolved a comprehensive curriculum in the field of Modern Appliances Maintenance (MAM), tested and validated it over a four year period, which is now offered in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, to select Franchisees, in a viable, self-sustaining Business model under the banner - SKILLS Academy for New Employable Skills Training.

The SKILLS Academy shall offer innovative, short term (3 months duration), highly occupationally-driven Diploma courses, in repair and maintenance of Modern Household appliances, Computer Hardware and Mobile Phones to enhance the employability and income generation potential of the vast number of secondary school educated youth. The training programmes offered presently, are:

- Diploma in Electronics Servicing and Maintenance Technology   (MAM)

- Diploma in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (MAM)

- Diploma in Computer Hardware Technology

- Certificate Programme in Mobile Phone Technology

TREC-STEP, through selected Entrepreneurs, shall facilitate the establishment of state-of-the-art training facilities in the Franchisee's location (a built-up space of 2500 sq.ft.) having four Laboratories and two classrooms. The three specialized labs for Modern Appliances Maintenance Training are:

•  Electronic Appliances Lab •  Refrigeration and Air-conditioning and Home Appliances    Lab •  Computer Hardware Lab •  Mobile Phone Technology Lab

At least four experienced Trainers, two Lab Assistants and a Counselor, make up the Academy's basic staffing requirements. TREC-STEP shall be closely involved in the selection process, training and monitoring of the Trainers. Course fee shall be as follows

- Diploma in Electronics Servicing and Maintenance   Technology   (MAM)	Rs.6000
- Diploma in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning   (MAM)	Rs.6000
- Diploma in Computer Hardware Technology	Rs.7500
- Certificate Programme in Mobile Phone   Technology	Rs.4500

Certificates shall be issued by TREC-STEP to successful candidates.

The Franchisee will be responsible for the fee collection and maintaining proper student records, which shall be monitored by TREC-STEP. Monthly reconciliation of Bank remittances shall be carried out by TREC-STEP and amounts due to Franchisee shall be disbursed immediately. Quality systems shall be audited on a weekly basis by the Project Advisor, TREC-STEP.

Investments & Returns

The Franchisee is expected to make capital investments of around Rs. 15-20 lakhs, towards establishment of physical infrastructure. Staffing cost, Rent, Power & Communication, are the major recurring expenditures for the Franchisee. TREC-STEP shall meet all expenses for Advertisements & brand building and Trainers Training besides continuous mentoring support. It is expected that the total revenue generation is around 36 lakhs or more, against an operating expenditure of 25-30 lakhs.

TREC-STEP's strength in Skill training and strong advisory and other supportive inputs from UNDP and DST, shall ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders.