CTS courses from ITIs: Pathways to skill education and careers

The Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) courses at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) offer a powerful foundation for students to build skill-based careers. These courses equip students with hands-on expertise in technical fields, bridging the gap between education and employability.

To learn about the popular ITI courses under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), the growing interest of students in technical courses, methods for ensuring high-quality practical training, instructor training strategies, and approaches to building industry connections to create awareness and attract more students to skill-based education, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director of NSN, spoke with:

• Mr. Amarr Prabhu, Principal of Don Bosco ITI in Kurla
• Mr. Tomy Joseph, Principal of Suprabhat ITI in Doomdooma, Assam
• Mr. Aushutosh Tiwari, Head of Institute & Industry Skills Training at Yadupati Singhania Vocational Education Foundation (SVEF)

Here are some of the highlights from the interview. To watch the full video, please visit our YouTube channel.

Q. Could you briefly introduce your ITI, some of the most popular ITI courses, and trades offered?

Mr. Amarr Prabhu: Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Kurla, has a legacy of 150 years in vocational training as part of Don Bosco Tech India, which includes 29 ITIs, six engineering colleges, polytechnics, and a university across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

We offer 11 ITI courses, including popular trades such as Fitter, Machinist, Electrician, Mechanic, and Technician Mechatronics. With a training capacity of 400 youth in formal programs, we also provide short-term and customized industry-specific training, partnering with companies like Godrej, Tata, Siemens, and more. We pioneered the Dual System Training (DST) model in Maharashtra, integrating industry collaboration into our courses, and have been awarded the Best ITI in the region.

Mr. Ashutosh Tiwari: Yadupati Singh Haniya Vocational Education Foundation (YSHVEF), is an initiative of JK Cement Limited. Currently, we operate five ITIs; two in Kanpur, two in Rajasthan, and one in Madhya Pradesh. We also have a state-declared Center of Excellence (CoE) for short-term skill training in Uttar Pradesh.

We offer around 12 to 13 engineering courses, including electrician, fitter, building construction, solar technician, electronics mechanic, welder, and mechanic motor vehicle. In the recent WorldSkills 2024 competition, 12 candidates from our ITIs participated at the national level, with two advancing to the world competition in France for building construction and painting trades.

We actively encourage female participation in engineering courses. Over the past few years, we have seen female candidates excel in trades like electronics and solar technology. Last year, several female graduates secured positions in solar plant operations and maintenance, where they are thriving. With 15 years in vocational education, we have established multiple institutions and focused on enhancing community connections through skill development.

Mr. Tomy Joseph: Suprabhat ITI in Doomdooma, Assam, was established in 2022 as a CSR initiative of Hindustan Unilever Limited and managed by the LabourNet Livelihood Foundation, our ITI offers courses in fitter, electrician, COPA (computer operator and programming assistant), and welding. Since inaugurated, we have seen enthusiastic participation from both male and female, with female enrollment in trades like welding steadily increasing.

Suprabhat ITI has been recognized as one of the top institutions in Northeast India, receiving a grading of 8.3 out of 10, among 104 ITIs, both private and government. We emphasize discipline, regularity, and the practical application of skills, resulting in 100% pass rates for our students.

Q. What challenges did you face in attracting students to enroll and completing the courses?

Mr. Amarr Prabhu: There are two key parts we focus on, one is connecting with the industry and second, creating opportunities for the youth to join the ITI program in Mumbai.

There is a shift in youth aspirations. While manufacturing bases are moving out of Mumbai, there’s still a high demand for service-related trades like Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Mechatronics. Although plumbing is essential, it doesn’t attract as many tier-one city youth. We focus on evergreen trades, such as Electrical and Electronics Mechanics, and recently introduced a short-term Electric Vehicle (EV) program that has generated interest.

Regarding industry connections, we collaborate with over 21 industries through our active Institute Management Committee, which includes representation from various scales of businesses. Before starting any new program, we first consult with industry partners to align our syllabus with market demands.

We prioritize on-the-job training, with nine out of our eleven trades under the DST mode. Our trainers undergo annual skill enhancement in industry settings, and we also host faculty development programs featuring industry experts. To maintain strong industry ties, we invite industry representatives for various events, including skill exhibitions, ensuring they play a significant role in our institution’s activities. So, a robust industry connection is crucial for the success of vocational education.

Mr. Ashutosh Tiwari: To prepare students for real-world roles, we focus on a blend of practical and theoretical learning. Each day, students spend around four hours in hands-on training and two hours in theory, aligning closely with industry needs. Beyond technical skills, we emphasize soft skills, adaptability, and a positive work attitude, which are essential in today’s job market.

We also involve students in live projects and assessments to build their confidence. They create practical in-house projects, such as coolers for workshops, electric cycles, and smart room setups, which foster innovation and self-reliance. This approach ensures students are not only employable but also equipped to start their own ventures if they choose. It is all about giving them the skills and confidence to succeed, whether they’re entering the workforce or pursuing self-employment.

Mr. Tomy Joseph: We offer four trades at our ITI: Fitter and Electrician (two-year programs) and two one-year trades such as welder and COPA. As this is a new ITI, we have worked hard to fill seats and increase visibility through unique initiatives like job fairs and a special festival that showcases local culture and activities, providing students with an uncommon platform for engagement.

Our approach emphasizes discipline, punctuality, and readiness for industry roles, reinforced through weekly assessments, project work, and hands-on guidance. With regular support and formative assessments, we ensure our students are well-prepared for immediate employment.

Also read: ITIs in Madhya Pradesh: Enhancing Youth Employability

Q. What are the career paths ITI students pursue after graduation?

Mr. Amarr Prabhu: Career progression is a key focus of our training. We conduct pre-placement surveys to understand students’ goals, whether they aim for apprenticeships, wage employment, higher education, or entrepreneurship. We invite industry HR representatives to discuss career pathways within their organizations and alumni to share their success stories, providing inspiration and guidance.

We also have an Entrepreneurship Development Cell that offers training and workshops to encourage entrepreneurial thinking. Collaborations with local polytechnics facilitate direct admissions into diploma programs, and students have opportunities to learn foreign languages, such as German, to enhance their employability with international companies.

Moreover, we emphasize multi-skilling by mapping various trades to emerging technologies. Our robotics lab, funded by Godrej, under CSR, allows students to gain experience with CAD, drones, and 3D printing, broadening their skill sets and career options. By continuously engaging with students about their future paths and educational opportunities, we aim to empower them to make informed choices and explore diverse career avenues.

Mr. Ashutosh Tiwari: We are launching a new training program that includes an initial one-week orientation covering our organization and career opportunities for graduates. Students will gain a 10+2 certificate upon passing a language exam in English, along with practical training in Electric Vehicle mechanics and basic solar operations, enhancing their employability. We also plan to engage successful alumni to motivate and inspire current students through career guidance.

Mr. Tomy Joseph: Over the last two years, a common question from students during admissions has been about job placement after training in trades like computer operation, electrician, or welding. We emphasize that placement opportunities depend entirely on the students’ performance during the training. To enhance their skills, we incorporate multitasking training into our curriculum, including mandatory weekly AutoCAD lessons and data analysis for all candidates.

This approach prepares students to stand out in the job market, equipping them with skills beyond the standard curriculum and fostering a proactive mindset toward industry demands.