Newsbytes from NSN on Skill and Education

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight government initiatives, industry collaborations, and global partnerships, from AI-driven skilling in ITIs and apprenticeship opportunities to international toolkits enhancing applied learning. Across states, new policies, infrastructure upgrades, and institutional partnerships are strengthening vocational education and employability. Meanwhile, CSR initiatives and industry-led programmes are creating impactful pathways for inclusive growth and job readiness. Emerging trends in higher education and technology integration further highlight the shift toward industry-aligned, future-focused learning across sectors.

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 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!

India – Australia Toolkit to Strengthen Applied Learning in Secondary Schools

A new Toolkit developed by the Australia India Institute and partner institutions will help Indian secondary schools integrate applied learning into mainstream education. Aligned with NEP 2020, it offers practical resources for curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, and industry partnerships, thereby strengthening India-Australia education collaboration. Download the Toolkit here!

Apprenticeship opportunities – Apply Now!

Applications are invited for the DRDO INMAS Apprenticeship 2026–27, offering one-year training opportunities for graduate, diploma, and ITI candidates in Delhi. Eligible candidates can apply online by April 30, 2026, to gain hands-on experience in a premier defence research institute. Click here to Apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes

Nagaland inaugurated an extended Industry 4.0 Centre of Excellence at NTTC Dimapur under Bharat Forge’s CSR initiative, with SimuSoft support, strengthening advanced technical training infrastructure.
Goa signed seven MoUs to boost skill development, expand vocational training in ITIs, and introduce a life-skills programme in collaboration with industry and partner organisations.
Deakin University and the Smart Energy Council are partnering to build a skilled workforce for India’s rooftop solar sector, bringing Australian expertise to support clean energy growth.

Key Developments in India’s Skill Ecosystem

NCVET signed an agreement with BAOU, granting dual recognition to offer training, assessment and certification, enabling students to pursue NSQF-aligned skill courses through its centres.

State Initiatives Driving Skilling and Innovation

A Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation (GRIT) report highlights Gujarat’s potential to become a biotech hub by 2030, urging education reforms and stronger institutions to drive workforce and bioeconomy growth.
The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) extended the ITICAT 2026 registration deadline to April 25, allowing candidates more time to apply for ITI admissions through the official website.
Delhi will set up high-tech labs in four ITIs and upgrade existing ones, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced, aiming to align vocational training with industry standards.
Mangaluru will get its first DGCA-approved drone training academy at Alva’s College, aimed at training certified pilots to meet growing demand in the drone sector.
Maharashtra approved IES Skill Tech University in Mumbai to boost skill training from 2026-27 and expanded the Aspirational District Programme to six new districts.
Arunachal Pradesh held a workshop promoting skill development schemes, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeships, highlighting industry-relevant training, financial support, and the importance of skills for youth employability.
Uttarakhand unveiled a skill development plan for Char Dham Yatra 2026, launching consultations and a Skill Samvad series to strengthen workforce capacity in tourism.

Industry-Led Training and Workforce Readiness

SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant launched an industrial orientation programme for vocational trainees, offering hands-on exposure to safety practices and operations to build industry-ready skills.

CSR Contributions to Skills and Livelihoods

Adani Gangavaram Port received an award from the Andhra Pradesh government for CSR efforts under the P4 programme, supporting inclusive growth and poverty reduction, aligned with Vision 2047.
Three business groups pledged ₹110 crore under CSR for Telangana’s development, following the Chief Minister’s call to treat CSR as a partnership for impactful, result-oriented community growth.
Paradip Port Authority and CEMS trained 25 Odisha youth in supply chain management under a CSR initiative, enhancing their employability and preparing them for careers in the logistics sector.
LTM launched “Universal AI,” an MIT Open Learning programme with upGrad Enterprise, to upskill technical and non-technical employees and strengthen workforce readiness for an AI-driven economy.

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/

Higher Education, Technology and Industry Integration

Young India Skills University launched industry-integrated UG programmes and a digital platform at IIIT Hyderabad, offering hands-on training through collaborations with companies and hospitals, aligning education with industry needs.
IHM Ranchi received in-principle approval as an MSME Host Institute, enabling it to incubate startups, support innovation, and promote entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector.
ITI Indore introduced a first-of-its-kind elderly care course, training students to address seniors’ physical and emotional needs amid rising demand for skilled caregivers.
IIT Bombay launched a Strategic Project Management certificate with Simplilearn, targeting professionals and addressing the rising demand for project skills driven by complex, data-driven business environments.
The Global Surgical Institute launched in Bengaluru to advance surgical education through simulation-based training, enhancing clinical skills, patient safety, and aligning with evolving global healthcare practices.
UPES partnered with Samsung Heavy Industries India to offer work-integrated learning programmes, enabling employees to pursue industry-aligned degrees and certifications while continuing their professional roles.

*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.