India’s skilling ecosystem continues to witness dynamic developments as government bodies, industry leaders, academia, and CSR initiatives collaborate to strengthen workforce readiness across emerging sectors.
This week’s NSN Newsbytes showcase landmark MoUs, policy reforms, and innovative training programmes aimed at empowering youth, women, and marginalised communities with future-ready skills. From Tamil Nadu students gaining global internship opportunities and Maharashtra’s push for advanced technology hubs, to CSIR-CMERI opening apprenticeship opportunities for engineering and commerce graduates and PepsiCo – FICSI enabling rural women entrepreneurs in millet processing, the updates reflect India’s strong commitment to inclusive growth.
Initiatives such as AI-driven ITIs, apprenticeship reforms, and specialised Centres of Excellence underline the focus on aligning education with industry demands, sustainability goals, and global competitiveness. These efforts not only bridge skill gaps but also pave the way for meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities across diverse domains.
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –
CSIR-CMERI Apprentice Induction 2025–26: Opportunities for Engineering and Commerce Graduates
CSIR-CMERI has announced 37 apprentice positions for 2025–26 under the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region) through NATS. The program offers hands-on training across Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, IT, Chemical, and Commerce disciplines, with stipends up to ₹9,000 per month. This is a valuable opportunity for fresh graduates to gain practical experience in advanced R&D environments. View official notification here
Skill development updates from the government
- TNSDC signs MoUs with Ahlia University, Bahrain, and ITEF to provide Tamil Nadu students with global internships, training, and exchange opportunities.
- ESSCI to train and mentor youth for IndiaSkills 2025, paving India’s path to the WorldSkills 2026 competition in Shanghai.
- AICTE launched Project PRACTICE, ARI Portal, and R&D Climate Cells on Engineers’ Day to transform India’s technical education ecosystem.
- India and the ILO sign an MoU to develop the International Reference Classification of Occupations, enhancing global employment opportunities for youth.
- EDII proposes the Mizoram Entrepreneurship Development Institute; discussions with Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma highlight the importance of skill training, startups, and land support.
- MSDE amends Apprenticeship Rules, doubling the minimum stipend to ₹12,300 and introducing reforms to expand opportunities, inclusivity, and training participation.
- Maharashtra government, Tata Technologies sign ₹115 crore MoU to establish CIIT Ramtek, boosting rural students’ advanced training in emerging technologies.
- Kerala Minister Shri P Rajeev laid the foundation for RCC Nutrafill’s Angamaly hub, integrating food processing, life sciences, R&D, storage, and logistics.
- Mahindra Tractors, Maharashtra government to set up Gadchiroli Skill Development Centre, training rural youth with industry-ready skills and livelihood opportunities.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis announces MSSU certificate courses to skill the workforce for the gems and jewellery sector, boosting global export leadership.
- Tamil Nadu School Education Department directs school headmasters to arrange October industrial visits for Class 12 vocational students; the funds release process is underway.
- Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announces plan to upgrade ITIs into AI-driven training centres under hub-and-spoke model, boosting skilling nationwide.
- In the recently held Lucknow Skill Festival, 8,124 youths secured jobs across sectors; 14,400 were interviewed, with the highest package reaching ₹4.8 lakh annually.
IDA Awards 2025 | Recognising Excellence in Education and Skills
The IDA Awards, presented by the India Didactics Association, are India’s only national-level awards that recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership across Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Skill Development Institutions.
Awards Ceremony: 18th November 2025
Venue: Yashobhoomi, IICC, Dwarka, New Delhi
(Co-located with Didac India & Didac Skills – Asia’s Largest Educational & Skilling Resources Exhibition, 18–20 November 2025)Who can Nominate:
- Early Learning Schools
- K-12 Schools
- Higher Education Institutions
- Skill Development & Training Providers
Register your interest:https://awards.indiadidac.org
For queries: +91-8448092933/34 | education.awards@indiadidac.org
Skill development updates on CSR and Industry
- ASDC, FADA Academy, and Prayaas Trust signed a tripartite MoU to establish a scalable, industry-aligned skill development framework, boosting workforce readiness and future growth in India’s automotive sector.
- PepsiCo India and FICSI launch RPL program in Madhya Pradesh, training 2,000 rural women in millet processing and entrepreneurship.
- Mission Shakti signs MoUs with FICSI, TSSC, GJSCI, and NCW to boost SHGs through skill development, enterprise, and empowerment.
- Citizens Financial Group’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) and Cognizant partner to skill Telangana students for tech careers, expanding the Outreach program impacting 60,000 nationwide.
- Lloyds Metals and Energy onboarded 19 women from Konsari after LMV driving training, boosting skill development, employment, and gender diversity.
- Experts warn India’s 2070 net-zero target faces delays without urgent green skills training to meet demand for 35 million jobs.
- NALCO Foundation and SDI Bhubaneswar sign MoU to provide skill development for youth in NALCO’s periphery villages.
- Lend A Hand India, with LIC-HFL CSR, held the second ToT in Nagaland on NEP-aligned multi-sector skill education for schools.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) partner to upgrade infrastructure and capacity in 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), empowering tribal students in MP and UP.
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
- NIFT Patna and ABFRL partner to train Bihar’s rural women in garment skills, enabling jobs at the upcoming Begusarai textile unit.
- Carrier India and LMTI Mumbai signed an MoU to establish an HVAC Centre of Excellence, offering advanced training, industry-led sessions, and career pathways to develop future-ready talent in climate technologies.
- APSSDC and Russia’s RSPP launch fully funded metallurgy diploma at Pervouralsk College, offering AP youth global exposure and career pathways.
- Ashoka University and IMD sign MoU to collaborate on climate research, data sharing, forecasting, extreme weather, and environmental sustainability.
- APSSDC and Vision India sign MoU to integrate ‘Naipunyam’ with the advanced skilling platform, boosting jobs, training, and employer engagement.
- Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), Arunachal Pradesh, and engineers complete advanced DGCA-certified Drone Pilot Training at Telangana State Aviation Academy, boosting aerial research capabilities.
*IMPORTANT:
The Weekly Newsbytes on skills and education from NSN are curated and adapted from various sources with the sole objective of keeping our readers updated about the evolving skills industry in India.
We compile and adapt these new snippets from various sources. If any source has objections or other concerns, please write to us at contact@nationalskillsnetwork.in, providing valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.