Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on Skill Development and Education – 10th March 2026

Over the past week, key developments across government institutions, industry partners, and academic organisations have highlighted the growing emphasis on employability, innovation, and future-ready skills.

From the Directorate General of Training mandating On-the-Job Training in Industrial Training Institutes to strategic partnerships advancing artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and semiconductor capabilities, several initiatives reflect India’s commitment to building a competitive and skilled workforce. Government agencies, universities, and industry leaders are also expanding opportunities through apprenticeship reforms, vocational education programmes, and infrastructure investments.

At the same time, state governments and corporate CSR initiatives are playing an important role in strengthening local skilling ecosystems, supporting youth training, and improving access to emerging technologies. These developments collectively underline a coordinated national effort to align education, skills, and industry needs while preparing India’s workforce for a rapidly evolving economic and technological landscape.

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

Tata STRIVE Job Openings – AI-driven job roles in the ITI ecosystem

Tata STRIVE, an initiative of the Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT), is inviting applications under Tata STRIVE Job Openings for multiple roles supporting AI-enabled skilling initiatives across Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India. These roles are part of a nationwide effort to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into non-IT vocational trades such as Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, and Fashion Technology. Interested candidates can apply and submit their resume here. Click here!

Launch Webinar: Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools

Join the online launch of the Toolkit for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools, a new resource developed to help teachers and school leaders design and deliver applied learning in classrooms. The toolkit brings together expertise from India and Australia and will soon be freely available online.

Date: Friday, 13 March 2026
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 AM IST
Register: Click here to register!

Apprenticeship opportunities – Apply Now!

• NPCIL has released the 2026 Trade Apprentice Notification for 245 vacancies at its Rawatbhata site, with online applications commencing from February 26, 2026. Last date to apply is 18th March 2026. Click here to Apply!
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has opened applications for 250 Graduate Apprentice Trainee positions for the 2026–27 training year, with online registrations open until March 10, 2026. Click here to Apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes 

• The Directorate General of Training has made 150 hours of On-the-Job Training mandatory for trainees in Industrial Training Institutes under the Craftsmen Training Scheme to enhance employability and industry exposure. Read more
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Viasat India have launched a satellite technology training programme at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur to build skills in satellite communications and emerging telecom technologies.
• Micron Technology commenced operations at its advanced memory ATMP facility in Sanand, Gujarat, inaugurated by PM Shri Narendra Modi, with its first DRAM module shipped to Dell Technologies.
• CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research organised a workshop in New Delhi on strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, bringing together experts from government, academia, industry, and R&D institutions.
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training has recognised LabourNet Livelihood Foundation as an Awarding Body (Standard), enabling it to deliver and certify NSQF-aligned vocational training programmes across India.
• Satya Institute of Technology and Management, Vizianagaram, signed an MoU with GouraGo Games Technologies to equip students with industry-relevant skills and career opportunities in the gaming sector.

Government initiatives in skill development and education

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s AI Careers for Women initiative, launched with Microsoft, has formed an alliance with SAP and LinkedIn to strengthen AI career pathways for women.
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training has recognised Orion Educational Society as an Awarding Body (Standard), enabling it to certify NSQF-aligned vocational training programmes across India.
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training has recognised Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru, as a Dual Awarding Body, enabling it to assess, certify, and deliver vocational programmes under the NCVET framework.
• NTPC Simhadri organised a skill development programme with Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology, training youth in injection moulding and achieving 100% placement for participants.
• NITI Aayog has released a policy report titled “Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem,” outlining insights, challenges, and recommendations to strengthen India’s apprenticeship system and support workforce development.
• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary held a bilateral meeting with Matias Marttinen to strengthen India – Finland cooperation in skill development, vocational education, and workforce mobility.
• A workshop to develop the Grade XII Artificial Intelligence Associate textbook was held at PSSCIVE, Bhopal, a constituent unit of NCERT, with experts drafting curriculum-aligned AI learning modules.
• Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah has announced the ₹1,386-crore K-QUEST project in the Karnataka budget to upgrade skill training infrastructure in partnership with the Asian Development Bank.
• The Directorate General of Training has signed a Flexi-MoU with Bajaj Auto to deliver NSQF-aligned industry training programmes for 1,000 trainees at its manufacturing facilities.
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship convened an Industry Leadership Conclave on PM-SETU in Bhopal to strengthen industry participation in India’s ITI-based skill development ecosystem.
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has directed states to provide insurance, travel, and accommodation support while implementing mandatory OJT under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
• Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University has received recognition as an Awarding and Assessment Body (AB Dual) from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training to strengthen regional skill education.

State-led skilling, innovation and reforms

• The Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, under IDAN, signed an MoU with Krishi Direct Trade (KS Development Partners) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and promote CSR convergence, in the presence of senior government officials and corporate representatives.
• A stakeholder workshop was held at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, under the STARS Project to review the NSQF Incubation Centre established with Samagra Shiksha, Himachal Pradesh.
• Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission has partnered with six institutions, including Oracle and Magic Bus India Foundation, to provide youth training in soft skills, performing arts, and artificial intelligence.
• Kerala General Education Minister Shri V Sivankutty has launched the ‘Auticare Blue Room’ initiative at State Institute for the Mentally Challenged, Kerala, to provide specialised VR-based training for children with disabilities.
• The Delhi Khadi Village Industries Board will develop an e-catalogue for artisans under the CM Skill Development Scheme, with training support from organisations empanelled with National Skill Development Corporation.
• Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant has announced the Mukhyamantri Sukanya Kaushal Vikas Protsahan Yojana in Goa, waiving ITI tuition fees for women and promoting skill development initiatives including drone pilot training.

Industry-Led collaborations driving workforce readiness

• Hindustan Zinc has launched four STEM labs in government schools across Udaipur, Rajasthan, in collaboration with Society for All Round Development (SARD) to strengthen science and technology education in the district.
• upGrad announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to integrate generative AI tools across its learning ecosystem.
• Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages has signed an MoU with the District Administration of Peddapalli to implement community development initiatives under Project SHINE, focusing on water, health, education, and women’s empowerment.
• Tata Group has announced new technology-focused investments in Jharkhand, with chairman N. Chandrasekaran sharing the update during a press conference with Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
• Toyota Kirloskar Motor has upgraded Government ITI Deogiri in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as part of its MoU with the Government of Maharashtra to strengthen technical training for rural youth.
• NALCO Foundation has launched coaching classes in collaboration with Government ITI Ambaguda at Koraput, Odisha to support skill development and exam readiness for land-affected families.

CSR initiatives in skilling and education

• NALCO Foundation has launched coaching classes for land-affected families in Koraput, Odisha, in collaboration with Government ITI Ambaguda to strengthen local skill development and exam readiness.
• Jubilant Bhartia Foundation has signed an MoU with McGill University to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India.
• Xoriant has launched the SKSVMACET-Xoriant Innovation and Skill Development Center at Smt. Kamala and Sri Venkappa M. Agadi College of Engineering and Technology in Lakshmeshwar to strengthen digital skills among students.

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/

AI and the Future of Higher Education

• Sri Venkateswara University has launched a 15-day drone technology training programme under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, in collaboration with PBC Aerohub Pvt Ltd, to build industry-ready drone skills among students.
• Sreenarayanaguru Open University has signed an MoU with Kerala Dinesh IT Systems Limited to launch vocational diploma and certificate programmes aligned with emerging industry and technology needs in Kerala.

*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.