The Programme started as part of the Canada – India Institutional Cooperation Project (CIICP) that was initiated in 1993. In a coup of sorts, the Government of India got the Government of Canada to lend its support. Born as a project involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the CIICP consisted of 13 polytechnics and 10 Canadian colleges.

When the Candian Government withdrew financial assistance, the Kerala Government decided to continue the project on it’s own. Centre for Continuing Education Kerala, established in 1998 as an autonomous body under the state government, today has 74 sub-centres. These include Engineering Colleges, Polytechnic Colleges and Arts and Science Colleges. The Centre is dedicated entirely to the growth and development of technical education, industry, business and social amelioration.

Each sub-centre has an advisory committee that comprises the college principal, staff and manager of the Continuing Education Programme.

The sub-centres impart need-based training to the unemployed youth, provide special training for small scale industries, publish study material for regular and distance education programmes and conduct vocational training.

College of Engineering, Munnar affiliated to Cochin University of Science and Technology and recognised by AICTE, is administered by the Centre.