Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on skill development and education – 3rd December 2024

In this week’s Newsbytes from NSN, we’re diving into the latest highlights focusing on establishing 20 sector-specific skill councils in Gujarat, the launch of TeacherApp to upskill educators, training 10,000 mechanics in EV repair and more. We’ll also explore exclusive insights from the forefront of skill development, covering everything from groundbreaking initiatives to emerging trends in technology, NEP 2020, UGC, CSR, NCVET and more.

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

CII Edu Summit 2024 Telangana

At the CII Edu Summit 2024 in Hyderabad, Telangana unveiled its state-level action plan for integrating education with employment, emphasizing the need for curriculum alignment with industry needs and teacher preparation for work-integrated education. The launch of the “Bridging the Gap” report is expected to spark discussions on skills, qualifications, employment, and emerging technologies. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing employability and preparing the state’s youth for the future workforce.

Updates on CSR-skill development

• Tata Motors’ 10th Annual CSR Report showcases its impact on over 1 million lives through health, education, employability, and sustainability initiatives.
• Hindustan Zinc’s Sakhi initiative empowers 25,000 rural and tribal women in Rajasthan through over 2,000 self-help groups, fostering economic and social independence.
• HDFC Bank has trained 3.25 lakh youth in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and manufacturing over 10 years under its CSR, with 100+ skill development projects across states.

Updates from the government

• NCERT PARAKH, in collaboration with PHDCCI, organized a two-day workshop for 80 Class IX and X students, highlighting the role of vocational education in holistic development as per the National Curriculum Framework.
• The Gujarat government to establish 20 sector-specific skill councils to build a skilled workforce aligned with the state’s industrial growth.
• NCVET recognizes IN-SPACe as an awarding and assessing body, empowering it to certify trainees in specialized space technology programs, including satellite manufacturing, mission design, and avionics development.
• The Ministry of Education unveiled TeacherApp, a digital platform developed by Bharti Airtel Foundation to empower educators with future-ready skills, aligning with NEP 2020.
• The Government of Odisha has organized 458 fisheries training programs, training 3,085 women fish farmers, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with support from the National Fisheries Development Board.
• The government of Himachal Pradesh announced plans to make the state self-reliant by 2027 and prosperous by 2032, focusing on green growth and self-employment through small industries.
• Ministry of Textiles, highlighted the government’s commitment to skill development through initiatives like the SAMARTH Scheme to drive India’s progress towards a $30 trillion economy and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
• The Skill India Programme awaits cabinet approval, with no allocations made yet, while proposed changes aim to align skills training with industry needs and international standards.

Skill development updates Industry

• The CBSE National Adolescent Summit 2024 on life skills, mental health, and well-being will take place on December 20–21 at National Bal Bhawan, Delhi, uniting students and educators.
• ICAI and CBSE have partnered to promote commerce-based skill courses nationwide, focusing on enhancing student employability in the BFSI sector through industry-aligned programs.
• The World Bank emphasizes rebranding vocational skills and aligning education with the job market for India to achieve its $5-trillion economic goal.
• Jayesh Logistics partners with IIM Sirmaur to drive innovation, skill development, and supply chain optimization through industry-academia collaboration.
• The School of Applied Learning pilot project, modernizing labs and merging trades in 40 schools, is set to launch next session, in Punjab, while a statewide on-the-job training scheme for Class 11 and 12 vocational students is providing practical experience in 22 trades.
• Godrej Professional launches Spotlight, offering hairstylists a platform to showcase creativity and funding up to ₹5 lakhs for three winners.
• Motul India and Zypp Electric have partnered to train over 10,000 mechanics nationwide in electric vehicle repair and maintenance, starting with a two-day program in Gurugram.
• Veranda Learning Solutions has partnered with NSDC and the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers, UK, to launch a Certified International Accounting Professional program in India, catering to the growing demand in Outsourced Accounting Services.
• IN-SPACe launches specialized training programs to build a skilled workforce and support India’s growing space industry and technological advancements.

Skilling and Upskilling in Academia and Emerging Technologies

• Air India announced the establishment of a basic maintenance training organisation in Bengaluru, set to launch by mid-2026, offering a DGCA-certified 2+2 years aircraft maintenance engineering programme.
• The education department will soon collaborate with ITIs, polytechnic and engineering colleges across Bihar to provide skill training to govt schools students from class 11 to 12.
• Tyagbir Hem Baruah College, Assam hosted a seminar on NEP 2020’s impact on India’s education system, highlighting its potential for positive transformation through effective implementation.
• Sai Ganesh Foundation in Kundrathur offers vocational training and life skills to young adults with autism, Down’s Syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, led by retired Navy officer Lt Cdr P. Devi.
• Tripura partners with Tata Technologies to upgrade 19 ITIs, enhancing vocational training and aligning skills with industry demands.
• North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and Medhavi Skills University partner to boost bamboo startups, drive innovation, and create opportunities for Northeast youth.
• The induction program for the diploma in decision management was conducted at Symbiosis centre for skill development and introduced various programs highlighting skill-based education for the students.
• IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS) has opened a state-of-the-art training center in Dehradun to provide vocational hospitality skills courses, supporting Skill India and THSC initiatives.
• Lakme Academy Powered by Aptech launches a Certificate Course in Advanced Media and Fashion Makeup Artistry, catering to aspiring makeup professionals in the fashion and media industry.