ITIs in Madhya Pradesh: Enhancing Youth Employability

“My vision is to make ITIs accessible, inclusive, and a first choice for skill development. I want ITIs to reach their full capacity and align with industry needs, ensuring they become integral to the lives of the people in the state.” — Ms. Harshika Singh, IAS, Director, Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) play a crucial role in equipping youth with practical skills and enhancing their employability. As these institutions adapt to the evolving demands of the job market, there is a growing focus on integrating industry-relevant training, adopting new technologies, and making ITIs more inclusive and accessible. The efforts to boost ITI effectiveness and align educational programs with industry requirements reflect a broader commitment to improving skill development and creating career opportunities for young people.

To learn more about the impact of initiatives taken in ITIs to enhance youth employability in Madhya Pradesh, green skills in ITIs, the role of industry collaborations in technical training, and the challenges faced in implementing these changes and more, we spoke with:

• Ms. Harshika Singh, IAS, Director, Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh
• Mr. Ambrish Kela, Managing Director of Scientech Technologies
• Mr. Nalin Tiwari, Principal of ITI Chhapara, MP

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

Q.What is your vision for the future of ITIs in Madhya Pradesh in boosting youth employability and entrepreneurship?

Ms. Harshika Singh: As the Director of Skill Development in Madhya Pradesh, my first goal is to make ITIs enjoyable, lovable, and integral to the lives of people in the state. I don’t want ITIs to be limited to just 38,000 students; I want them to reach their full capacity.

In light of the recent Union budget, which emphasizes the importance of skilling, especially in a state like ours with a significant demographic dividend, ITIs are crucial. They shouldn’t operate in isolation but rather align with the needs of the industry and the local economy. Our aim is to fine-tune and refine what ITI offers to meet these demands.

Q. How has Scientech’s long-standing contribution to technical education helped make ITIs more aspirational and industry-connected?

Mr. Ambrish Kela: For the past four decades, we’ve had a strong partnership with ITIs in Madhya Pradesh, which has been crucial to our growth in the electronics sector. We’ve consistently engaged ITI students in production tasks, from wiring and soldering to more advanced roles like PCB design and customer support. This hands-on experience has allowed them to move up the value chain.

We’ve also built close ties with ITI faculties, offering workshops and facility visits, and expanded our reach through online courses and webinars on new technologies. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with institutions to develop curricula, ensuring our work aligns with industry needs and supports both students and the broader community.

Q. Could you briefly share the key initiatives implemented at ITI Chhapara?

Mr. Nalin Tiwari: We have faced challenges from the beginning, mainly because ITIs are often seen as a last option for students to opt. Although we offer excellent courses, we struggle to reach the public and change this perception. Our goal is to rebrand ITIs as a valuable option for skill development, increasing enrollment, especially among girls. We have taken several initiatives, such as creating videos to highlight the benefits of ITI education. We have developed a library and improved our electrician training rooms to provide a better learning environment and create awareness to attract more students and show the benefits by enrolling in ITIs.

Q. What steps do you think are needed to make ITIs more attractive and how can innovative courses help in this effort?

Ms. Harshika Singh: In Madhya Pradesh, we’ve introduced several initiatives to align ITIs with local needs and make them more appealing. One key program is “One District, One Product, One Skill,” where we’ve integrated district-specific skills into ITI courses, combining traditional CTC courses with specialized short-term training. We have also launched green skilling initiatives, creating three green ITIs that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly trades, aiming to instill environmental responsibility in our students from an early age.

And also, recognizing the unique needs of our tribal population, we have introduced tribal skilling programs in Madhya Pradesh that focus on traditional skills and heritage crafts. To ensure skills education reaches everyone, we’ve started ITI on Wheels, a mobile initiative that brings training and awareness to remote areas. We’re also planning to roll out remote skilling projects to further expand access across the state.

Q. How can ITIs adapt to new skills and technologies while ensuring they are well-equipped and teachers are empowered?

Mr. Ambrish Kela: ITIs must update their infrastructure, curriculum, and teacher training to stay aligned with industry demands. Collaboration between ITIs and industries is crucial for enhancing both technical and soft skills, including proficiency in AI. The need for better marketing and local outreach to raise awareness and attract more students. ITIs should integrate green skills and sustainable practices, reflecting global energy transitions and modern market demands.

The importance of creating market linkages for traditional skills, such as those from rural artisans, to boost their visibility and profitability. By partnering with industries, ITIs can offer relevant training that aligns with emerging technologies and green energy initiatives, bridging the gap between informal and formal sectors and maintaining the relevance of ITI programs in today’s job market.

Q. Please share a few challenges faced in awareness initiatives and the support received to overcome them.

Mr. Nalin Tiwari: One major challenge was the remote location of the ITI, situated far from the city and within a reserve forest, which required additional permissions and deterred some people due to travel difficulties. Despite these obstacles, the ITI received priority affiliation for the students, and the government provided significant support, transforming these challenges into opportunities. The experience reinforced the belief that where there is a will, there is a way, and it ultimately enhanced the institute’s capabilities and opportunities for students.

Also read: How Skill Universities Differ from General Universities in India

Q. Please share what are the actionable steps and technology integrations could other ITIs consider to achieve similar success?

Ms. Harshika Singh: It is crucial to make ITIs more accessible to girls. Data reveals that female participation in ITIs, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, is still lacking. ITIs should not be restricted to any specific group but should be open to all.

Our goal should be to create ITIs where individuals come to enhance their skills and recognize their potential, not just for certification. The aim is to ensure that every student who completes their training either finds employment, becomes self-employed, or ventures into entrepreneurship. The core purpose of ITIs is to facilitate meaningful employment or self-employment, and that should be our primary focus.

Mr. Ambrish Kela: These are indeed pivotal times for the skilling sector and ITIs, with government’s focus on skilling at the grassroots level, particularly in areas like defense, IT, and green industry. Significant investments and strategic involvement from both central and state governments are ensuring that ITIs receive the necessary resources and facilities. This top-down approach is effectively aligning efforts to benefit students directly.

For industrial growth, it’s crucial that ITIs remain strong and that we foster collaborations for mutual benefit. Leveraging top leadership and addressing challenges through regular dialogue and interactive forums will be key to transforming these challenges into opportunities.

Mr. Nailn Tiwari: Soft skills are a top priority for us, aimed at boosting student confidence. We also arrange industry visits to provide practical exposure. And we have established dedicated facilities, such as an electrician room for girls at ITIs, to set a precedent and encourage more women to join and start their careers. Our goal is to increase the youth and the women participation and offer them robust training opportunities.