How will the upgradation of 150 ITIs boost the employability of Karnataka’s youth?

The government of Karnataka has upgraded 150 ITIs into technology hubs at a cost of Rs. 4,636 crores and developed six new course combos to stay relevant to business needs in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution.

Key points:

• While the aim of the initiative is to ensure world-class infrastructure and training to the students, will the upgradation of 150 ITIs help boost the employability of the state’s youth?
• What role do the newly launched courses play in making the state’s youth industry ready?
• Will the newly launched courses become popular among female candidates? Or will it help in attracting women candidates?
• As most of the industries are getting automated, will the initiative help connect students with technology to make it easier for our country to transition to Industry 4.0?

“The 150 ITIs upgraded as technology hubs by Tata Technologies Limited (TTL) under the UDYOGA programme are set to be inaugurated in two weeks. Training of students in these institutes with advanced courses will commence from November 1”,  said Higher Education Minister C N Ashwathnarayan.

Karnataka was placed sixth in the country in terms of adaptability to industry requirements in a 2019 study commissioned by the All India Council for Technical Education. The newly announced course combos should assist the state in providing training that meets industry needs and providing industry-ready individuals that can easily adapt to the industry’s automation environment.

Here are the course combos that are introduced in the ITIs,

• Advanced CNC Machining
• Basics of Design and Virtual Verification
• Artisan Using Advanced Tools
• Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Process Control and Automation
• Mechanic Electric Vehicle

Over the course of three years, Junior Training Officers (JTOs) at each of these ITIs would be trained in these new technological areas.

C N Ashwathnarayan also added, “The investment in infrastructure, equipment and training of JTOs will benefit students to study new courses. Around one lakh students from ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges will benefit from these.”

Beginning November 1, the government will cooperate with TTL to deploy 300 subject matter experts over the next two years. During the third year, another 150 subject matter experts are planned to be deployed to help JTOs and ITI staff in understanding and exploring new technology areas.

The initiative’s entire cost is anticipated to be Rs 4,636 crores, with TTL bearing 88 percent of the expense and the state government funding the remaining 12%. Furthermore, the state government is investing Rs 220 crore in new civil infrastructure. On the technological front, the investment will cover CNC machines, laser cutting machines, additive manufacturing or 3D printing machines, industrial robotics, and advanced software.

Also read: Will PM MITRA textile parks boost skill development and employment generation in the textile sector? https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/will-pm-mitra-textile-parks-boost-skill-development-and-employment-generation-in-the-textile-sector/

Karnataka has always been a step forward in modernising the state’s ITIs, whether it’s through the installation of Dual System Training (DST) or encouraging girls to enrol in unconventional courses through their Government ITI Belagavi (Women). And, with its persuasive road map, the UDYOGA programme should be able to achieve the desired outcome through its implementation.

*IMPORTANT:

We have simply analysed the trends in order to keep our readers informed about the evolving skills industry in India. Please contact the people, organizations or industry bodies mentioned in the article if you want to learn more about the news.