Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on skill development and education – 21st January 2025

In this week’s Newsbytes from NSN, we’re bringing you the latest developments from the world of skill development, from India’s first skill census to the launch of solar-powered mobile training vans. Discover key highlights, including India’s strategic partnerships with global and local stakeholders, significant investments in energy and technology, and ongoing initiatives in the fields of vocational education, CSR, and emerging technologies.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes,

Skill development updates from the government

•  The Andhra Pradesh government has partnered with Infosys to conduct India’s first skill census, targeting the skill sets and competencies of 35 million people aged 15 to 59 to identify workforce skills and align them with industry requirements.
• The Haryana government has announced its plans to establish an ITI in every block and introduce a policy for youth to learn foreign languages.
• The government of Manipur has awarded certificates to 28 PMKVY-trained IDPs, with plans to set up mushroom sheds in relief camps for sustainable livelihoods.
• The Ministry of Labour & Employment and CII hosted the “Conference on Future of Jobs” in New Delhi, focusing on strategies for a future-ready workforce and India’s role in addressing global talent needs.
• MSDE launched solar-powered mobile training vans under the Solar Community Hub initiative, launched by NSDC in partnership with Dell Technologies and Learning Links Foundation to provide skill development in remote areas using sustainable energy solutions.
• India and Tanzania have partnered to advance youth empowerment and skill development, with both nations sharing best practices in the skilling ecosystem.

Skill Development Updates on CSR, Industry

• The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has announced a skilling initiative to train and place 150 women in the tourism and hospitality sector to enhance employability and create sustainable career opportunities for women.
• India Semiconductor Mission, CG Power, and CG Semi Pvt. Ltd. have signed a ₹7,600 crore Fiscal Support Agreement for a semiconductor OSAT project in Sanand, Gujarat, in collaboration with Renesas Electronics and Stars Microelectronics.
• Gautam Adani announced a ₹65,000 crore investment in Chhattisgarh for energy and cement projects, including a 6,120 MW expansion of power plants and cement plant development.
• The Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council (HSSC) signed an MoU to enhance workforce skills in the hydrocarbon sector, focusing on bridging skill gaps and preparing for emerging industry needs.
• India’s job market ranks second globally in the QS World Future Skills Index, highlighting its readiness in AI, digital, and green technologies.
• Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) won the “Capacity Building, Awareness and Excellence Recognition Programme” award from MSDE for its contributions to skill development and apprenticeship training.
• The Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (SDE), Honda India Foundation, and Visan Foundation have partnered to launch a hospitality sector skilling program for Arunachal Pradesh’s youth and provide free training over three years in two phases.
• Nestlé India, with SM Sehgal Foundation, expanded Project Vriddhi to Sonbhadra, UP, aiming to benefit 6,000+ villagers through water conservation, nutrition, education, and sustainable farming.

To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/

Skilling and Upskilling in Academia and Emerging Technologies

• CBSE schools have been directed to implement skill education initiatives to integrate vocational skills into their curriculum to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, fostering students’ readiness for the job market and enhancing their employability.
• Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with the Mizoram government and Zote Toyota, has launched the 67th Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) at Aizawl’s Government ITI to enhance employability by offering specialized training in automotive trades.
• Punjab is set to transform six ITIs into Centers of Excellence under an initiative led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government to enhance vocational training and empower youth and women with essential skills.
• CBSE has urged schools to offer skill subjects like AI, IT, beauty and wellness, and apparel for students from Class 6 to 12 to promote skill education.
• J&K’s School Education Department introduced vocational education in 1,315 schools this year, with plans to expand to 554 more schools in 2024-25.
• Young India Skills University signed an MoU with Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE) for mutual cooperation in skill development.