Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on Skill Development and Education – 19th May 2026

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight major developments across India’s evolving skilling ecosystem, with growing focus on AI, deep-tech training, workforce readiness and industry-aligned learning.

From apprenticeship opportunities and advanced skill labs in ITIs to AI Centres of Excellence, flexible higher education pathways and emerging technology initiatives, institutions and state governments continue to strengthen access to future-ready skills and employment opportunities. Industry collaborations, digital skilling programmes and infrastructure-led initiatives are also expanding pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship and global employability.

Together, these developments reflect a stronger push toward technology-enabled, application-driven and inclusive skill development across education, industry and government.

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

India – Australia Toolkit to Strengthen Applied Learning in Secondary Schools

A new Toolkit developed by the Australia India Institute and partner institutions will help Indian secondary schools integrate applied learning into mainstream education. Aligned with NEP 2020, it offers practical resources for curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, and industry partnerships, thereby strengthening India-Australia education collaboration. Download the Toolkit here!

Apprenticeship opportunities – Apply Now!

• Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has announced recruitment for 500 Foreman and Technician posts through an online process, offering opportunities in technical roles. The last date to apply is May 28, 2026. Click here to Apply!
• NMDC Limited has announced apprenticeship training opportunities for Trade, Graduate and Technician Apprentices at its Bacheli Complex in Chhattisgarh, with walk-in interviews scheduled from June 1 to 11, 2026. Click here to Apply! 

Key highlights from this week’s Newsbytes 

APSSDC partnership for global welding skills and employment

The Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation has partnered with Dynamic Staffing Services, a registered recruiter under the Ministry of External Affairs, with support from the National Academy of Construction to establish a welding centre in Srikakulum, near Vizag. The collaboration demonstrates a scalable Recruit–Train–Deploy (RTD) model that makes Indian skilling globally employable through an effective public-private partnership. It creates a seamless pipeline from training to placement, strengthening employer confidence and ensuring sustained demand for Indian talent. The centre aims to facilitate overseas deployment of around 50–100 workers per month, primarily welders.

National skill development updates

• The Union Minister of State (IC) for Science and Technology, Shri Jintendra Singh inaugurated the “Lakshya 2047” Centre for Future Skills, along with Cadaveric Centre and Advanced Medical Simulation facilities at Parul University.
• The government is considering allowing industries to engage up to 25% apprentices in their workforce, with conditions linked to wages, training quality and employment outcomes.
• NITI Aayog’s latest school education report flagged weak student retention and learning outcomes, highlighting rising dropout rates and challenges in sustaining continuity beyond secondary education. 
• DGT organised an industry consultation at NSTI Kanpur under the PM-SETU scheme to strengthen industry participation in upcoming National Centres of Excellence, including the proposed Aeronautics and Allied Sectors NCoE.
• MSDE is developing a national database of skilling centres and centres of excellence across government, industry and private institutions to improve coordination and benchmark quality training standards.
• National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with the Vertis Foundation, is expanding Project Saksham to empower rural women through skill development, with over 6,000 youth trained and 4,000 placed in formal employment roles.
• The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) launched a six-month certification programme in Advanced Concrete Technology focused on durability design, quality assurance and sustainable construction practices.

State initiatives in skills and innovation

• Around 200 vocational teachers in government schools are awaiting contract renewals, disrupting skill-based classes aligned with NEP 2020 and CBSE’s vocational education framework
• Ayodhya established the state’s first Skill Development Centre under the Jal Jeevan Mission, training over 550 artisans through practical, infrastructure-linked skill programmes.
• The Uttar Pradesh government partnered with Tata NELCO to establish DREAM skill labs in 150 ITIs, focusing on robotics, electronics, additive manufacturing and industry-oriented vocational training.
• Karnataka launched a dedicated app ‘Adidvara’ to support inclusive employment and skill development for persons with disabilities, connecting users with training and job opportunities.
• The Government of Sikkim and NIELIT Gangtok signed an MoU to establish an AI Centre of Excellence aimed at strengthening AI skilling, innovation and capacity building under the IndiaAI Mission.
• Andhra Pradesh announced a large-scale deep-tech skilling initiative with IBM SkillsBuild and APSSDC, targeting training in AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and data analytics for up to 10 lakh learners over five years.
• Meghalaya launched four new initiatives under Skills Meghalaya – PROPEL, MEGASKILL, SHIELD and EQUIP; to strengthen skilling, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for youth across the state.
• The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission launched the free “AI for All” initiative in collaboration with Oracle University to provide online AI training and certification for youth, students and job seekers across the state. 

Industry partnerships and workforce readiness

• ASDC and CBSE are organising the National Automobile Olympiad 2026 to introduce school students to industry-relevant automotive skills and promote experiential learning aligned with NEP 2020.
• Ambuja Foundation and Kanohar Electricals launched a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Uttar Pradesh to train over 1,000 rural youth in healthcare, customer service and employability skills.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) will establish a Skill Development Centre at Vignan’s University, Guntur, to train students in financial markets, investments and capital market careers.

CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods

• Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) inaugurated new academic and student-focused infrastructure facilities, highlighting its focus on innovation, application-driven learning and student-led technology solutions.
• Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) received Greentech CSR India Awards 2026 in Skill Development and Promotion of Education for its community-focused training and education initiatives.

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/ 

Higher education, technology and digital skills 

• NCERT is preparing to launch postgraduate and PhD programmes in education, expanding its role in teacher education, curriculum studies and educational research.
• The Telangana government announced plans to establish special degree colleges for minorities across 10 district headquarters to strengthen access to higher education.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) will allow students to pursue online and distance learning programmes alongside regular courses, expanding flexible and multidisciplinary learning opportunities.
• The Haryana State Higher Education Council signed an MoU with SSC NASSCOM to strengthen digital skills, industry-aligned training and career readiness across higher education institutions in the state.
• International Institute of Style and Space (IISS) has launched industry-oriented education through its B.Voc and M.Voc programs in Thane, offering industry-focused training in fashion, interior, graphic and UI/UX design.

*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.

We compile and adapt these new snippets from various sources. If any source has objections or other concerns, please write to us at contact@nationalskillsnetwork.com, providing valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.