Newsbytes from NSN on Skill and Education

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight efforts to make education more employment-oriented, expand access to emerging technologies and create stronger pathways from training to livelihoods. From new opportunities for ITI and polytechnic graduates to large-scale programmes in AI, renewable energy, electric mobility and digital infrastructure, skilling initiatives are increasingly aligned with changing industry needs.

States are also strengthening vocational institutions, entrepreneurship programmes and inclusive training opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities. At the same time, industry and academic collaborations are widening exposure to practical, technology-driven learning. These developments reflect a growing emphasis on building a future-ready workforce equipped with relevant technical, entrepreneurial and employability skills.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –

Apprenticeships

SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant has invited applications for 1,110 Trade, Diploma and Graduate Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Last date to apply: 26 August 2026. Click here to apply!

ISRO’s URSC invited applications for 410 Apprentice positions in Bengaluru, covering Graduate, Technician and Commercial Practice apprenticeships, with stipends up to ₹12,300 per month. Applications are open until August 28, 2026. Click here to apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes

Kerala allows ITI and polytechnic graduates to enter undergraduate programmes without Plus Two, with ITI holders eligible for first-year and diploma holders for lateral entry.
India reaffirms a people-centric approach to BRICS education cooperation, with members adopting a five-point declaration covering skills, TVET, innovation, qualifications and academic capacity-building.
MNRE approves ₹258.83 crore HRD programme for 2026-31 to train 12,500 people, support 7 lakh training man-days and expand renewable energy skilling.

National skill development updates

The Centre announces ₹1,500 crore through a Venture Capital Fund and Technology Adoption Fund to support space startups, innovation and indigenous technology.
Keystone Education Society organised a vocational skills and livelihood camp in Dimapur to promote skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion among PwDs.
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme with ₹36,441 crore outlay for 2026-31, expanding grassroots sports, talent development, training and infrastructure.
Parliamentary panel flags continued underperformance of NAP-SDP, noting that less than 25% of targets for skill development of PwDs have been achieved.

State-led Skill Initiatives

Odisha partners with CRISP and NSE Foundation to implement Project BLESS, strengthening livelihoods, skills and entrepreneurship among vulnerable rural families to prevent distress migration.
Tamil Nadu partners with TNSDC and Ehime-Nissan to provide overseas jobs for government ITI automobile trade graduates, with Japanese language and technical training.
Dalmia Bharat Foundation launches a rural women skilling initiative in Uttar Pradesh, opening tailoring centres across four districts to promote livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
NTPC Kahalgaon (Bihar) partners with CIPET to provide placement-linked training in plastic processing, recycling and machine operations to 80 local youths.
Uttar Pradesh’s ‘AI for All’ course under Project Praveen sees 50,000 students assessed, with 89% clearing the exam and an average score of 70.41.
Bihar to establish an NSTI-W campus and Skill India International Centre, expanding women’s technical training and global employment opportunities for youth.
Rajasthan plans 400 CM Rise Model Schools, focusing on skill-based learning, digital education, modern infrastructure and improved access to quality schooling across the state.
Karnataka will upgrade 120 government ITIs and establish 120 skill labs under K-QUEST, with ₹1,386 crore investment to strengthen industry-ready workforce development.
Gujarat partners with 250+ industries and academic institutions under GIAS to skill 1.03 lakh youth in advanced and emerging technologies during 2026-27.
Government Vocational Junior College, Kurnool, named Andhra Pradesh’s top-ranked vocational junior college for 2026, has helped 650+ alumni secure jobs through skill-based education.
Manipur’s six-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme trained 180 aspiring entrepreneurs in business planning, finance, compliance, innovation and government support schemes.
Magadh University, Bihar, grants affiliation to 13 colleges for vocational undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the 2026-30 academic session.
Telangana plans a Government ITI at Cherlapalli Central Prison to provide inmates with industry-relevant technical and vocational skills, supporting employment after release.
The Department of Agriculture, Kharu Sub-Division (Leh, Ladakh) conducts farmer training on oilseed cultivation, mushroom farming and natural agriculture practices under the National Mission on Edible Oils.
Gujarat’s GIAS receives proposals from 250+ industries and academic institutions to train youth under the Namo Gujarat Kaushalya and Rozgar Mission.
Haryana CM Shri Nayab Singh Saini inaugurates a Regional Skill Development Centre at Murthal, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and practical, technology-focused training for youth.

Industry Partnerships for Employability

CGSSC and TCE launch Project UTKARSH to equip engineering students with industry-aligned skills in Civil, Piping, Instrumentation and Electrical Design for EPC careers.
Samsung’s 2026 Innovation Campus will train 20,000 youth across 10 states in AI, in partnership with ESSCI and TSSC, strengthening India’s future AI talent pipeline.
HG Infra Engineering receives Rajasthan’s LOA to operate and manage ITI Bhiwadi Cluster under PM-SETU, with a 10-year PPP partnership valued at ₹17.1 crore.
Honeywell Technologies plans to skill 3 lakh students in AI, cybersecurity and advanced technologies by 2030, strengthening India’s future-ready digital workforce.
AIPDA proposes a mandatory three-month skill development programme alongside industry posting for B.Pharm students to strengthen practical, professional and career readiness.
Shankar Mahadevan Academy partners with MESC’s IICS to strengthen music education, creative skills and industry opportunities, advancing India’s creative economy.

CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods

Envalior India, in partnership with BroadArks Foundation, launches an EV Technology CoE at MM Polytechnic, Pune, offering NSDC-certified training in EV servicing, diagnostics, and maintenance.
PJCF Skill Centre crosses 2,000 graduates, with 95% employment, and opens enrolment for another 2,000 learners across industry-linked vocational programmes.

Higher Education and Emerging Skills

Vertiv partners with IIT Madras Pravartak and RTMSSU to train 1,500 engineering students in data centre operations and AI-ready digital infrastructure.
MIT University Sikkim aligns its 2026 academic framework with NEP 2020, emphasising updated curricula, industry relevance, skill-based learning and student-centred education.

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/

*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.