ITI Bhubaneswar: Paving the way for a bright future through world-class technical training

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have played a vital role in the economic growth and development of our country for many years now. They contribute a major workforce to the industry after thoroughly training them in several trades.

In our continuous endeavor to bring forth the aspirational stories of ITIs across India, we had the chance to converse with Ms. Jeetamitra Satpathy, Principal, Government ITI, Bhubaneswar to understand how the Government ITI Bhubaneswar is coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic, some of the achievements and innovative practices that are worth noting. Read on to know more.

Q. Could you tell us about the popular courses and placement in ITI BBSR?

A: The popular courses of Government ITI Bhubaneswar are Electrician, Fitter, Welder and Dress Making courses. Students of ITI Bhubaneswar got placed in JMS Mining Corporation, TATA Advance, Jamshedpur; TATA Power Grid, Adani Aerospace and Defence, Author Electric Scooter, and Suzuki Motors.

Q. What are some of the achievements and distinctions awarded to ITI Bhubaneswar?

A: Our students as well as faculty have achieved many milestones flaunting their skills and hard work. In National Welding League 2019 trainees from welder trade Ms. Kamini Kumari Ram secured 2^nd place and Ms. Urmila Nayak secured first place. Ms. Reena Bagha from the welder trade has got the chance of working in NASA rovers challenge project. Mr. Jagdish Rao from Electronics Mechanic trade qualified in Odisha Skill competitions and was nominated for the upcoming IndiaSkills competitions. Mr.Bibhuti Bhusan Jena from COE IT trade got Gold in Odisha Skill competitions in IT network system.

Ms. Smutisikta Mohapatra, a former student of Dress Making trade was felicitated as a successful Entrepreneur, by Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Former Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Mrs. Nininee Tripathy, Faculty of Dress Making received the Kaushal Acharya award for her passion and dedication towards Dress Making.

Along with these achievements, our Institute was also awarded ISO Certification. We also received an active participant award in ensuring Odisha MSME International Trade Fair 2019. ITI Bhubaneswar was appreciated by the Ganjam administration for conducting the skill development training for the PG members of Ganjam.

Q. How are you ensuring continuous learning in the present scenario (post-covid-19) through e-learning and blended learning? What are the challenges and how are you overcoming them?

A: To leave no stone unturned, we have been providing our learners with links on Bharat Skills portal for course materials, learning videos, question bank and NIMI mock test practice, etc. to make them ready for their upcoming CBT exam.

We have been using blended learning methods, where our faculty are using various online platforms like, Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, Team app, WhatsApp Chat, YouTube, use of 3DM content to take their classes and track the performance of the learners.

We also provided faculties with training on blended learning so as to learn various online methodologies to engage the learners in online platforms. Online Tools like Slido, Quizizz, Google Classroom screen etc. are used towards providing online activity-based learning.

Some of the challenges that we encountered during the online teaching are unavailability of smartphones with the learners, network issues, unable to afford the data pack on a regular basis.

Students having the said issues are addressed with physical notes distribution at the learner’s doorstep, connecting them with another learner who has a smartphone and lives close to their house. We also conducted conference calls and taught the learners on call, for those who could not afford a data pack.

Q. How are the students made industry-ready as soon as they complete the courses?

A: Employability skills are a major part of making students industry-ready. Students are trained in employability skills, as part of their curriculum. The classes for this are conducted by Employability Facilitators from TATA STRIVE, where the students undergo many activities like mock interview, group discussion, dual system of training, On-The-Job training, industrial visits, attend webinars by reputed companies, pre-placement training, etc. This makes the students industry-ready by the time they complete the course.

Q. Are there any innovative practices that you are currently following at your institution, or any innovation from the students?

A: Learners from the Fitter trade developed e-Bicycle. It was designed under the guidance of the trade faculty. To attract the young people towards technical education, learners from Welder trade have been preparing some models using scraps in the concept of ‘best out of waste’.

Learners from Electronic Mechanics have also been preparing electronic gadgets like emergency light, automatic hand sanitizers by converting waste material into something useful. Learners from IOT smart city also showed their innovative ideas on developing Bluetooth Acquator, ATM Protection system, Tele-Robotic surgery and Smart grid.

The Faculty of Fitter trade prepared a Hydroponic setup which helps in organic farming, as a part of a sustainability project.

Beautiful design of dress materials is made by the students of Dress Making trade using unwanted pieces of clothes and thread.

To combat COVID-19, Govt. ITI Bhubaneswar has prepared lots of innovation like foot operated sanitizer dispenser, a UV-based room disinfection tower, UV based virus eliminator Handy box, UV-based disinfectant drawer, chemical free sanitizing trunk, virus eliminator handy box, UV based PPE KIT, face mask, face shield, mechanized hand sanitizer dispenser, touchless hand sanitizer, contact less thermometer, among others.

Q. Please tell us more about the industry participation and contribution to your ITI?

A: Industries provide the scope for improving technical education through developing infrastructure and capacity building. Industry provides students with so many job roles particularly in the manufacturing sector, like the re-innovation of machines, production of machines, equipment marketing, etc. The SMS Group has installed a Welding lab and Sakrobotics has installed a Robotic Lab for students at our ITI.

Q. What is your advice to students about the importance of vocational training and skill development for employability and entrepreneurship.

A: Students who do not have the necessary skills will quickly find themselves struggling in their new job role. They may start to lose confidence and feel unsure about what to do. Vocational education and training, allows students to gain practical experience in their chosen career path and this can also help the students learn the techniques and strategies that they specifically need for this area of work and ensure that they are prepared to succeed.

Also read: ITI Berhampur: Leading the way in technical education and training through excellence https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/iti-berhampur-leading-the-way-in-technical-education-and-training-through-excellence/

I would suggest the youngsters to be a job giver instead of a job seeker. You can set your work schedule on your own, most importantly you are the one who enjoys the benefits of your business’ success and also reaps the failure.

OSDA provides Rs. 1,00,000/- to the ITI students under the project Nano unicorn. The Nano-Unicorn Project revolves around the idea of empowering the youth of today to become the game-changers tomorrow. Recently, three students from our ITI have been selected for the Nano Unicorn project.

I would also like to mention the role of Tata STRIVE here. With their collaboration we have been able to empower the youth, enhance their employability skill, which improves their self-confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. This also promotes project-based learning among the learners.