This week’s NSN Newsbytes spotlight a vibrant mix of initiatives from cutting-edge AI and STEM programmes to grassroots entrepreneurship and inclusive vocational training. Leading institutions like PSSCIVE are driving academic-industry partnerships, while government reforms and global collaborations are reshaping workforce readiness. States are experimenting with tech-enabled skilling solutions, and corporates are deepening their CSR impact through targeted interventions.
Together, these developments reflect a clear shift towards outcome-driven, future-focused learning ecosystems aligned with NEP 2020 and Industry 4.0 demands. Whether it’s empowering educators, enabling youth employability, or strengthening sector-specific skills, the momentum underscores India’s commitment to building a resilient, agile, and globally competitive talent pipeline.
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!
- Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has invited applications for ITI and Diploma apprenticeships across multiple trades for one-year training. The last date to apply is May 11, 2026. Click here to Apply!
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has begun recruitment for 668 Diploma Trainee and related posts across disciplines, offering nationwide opportunities. The last date to apply is May 11, 2026. Click here to Apply!
- 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!
STEM Training and Skill Development at PSSCIVE, Bhopal
- IHFC IIT Delhi, in collaboration with PSSCIVE Bhopal, conducted a five-day STEM training programme for KVS educators under PM SHRI, focusing on innovation, ICT integration, and NEP 2020-aligned teaching competencies.
- PSSCIVE (NCERT) signed an MoU with NIELIT to strengthen digital and vocational education, integrating emerging technologies, enhancing teacher training, and promoting innovation and employability nationwide.
- PSSCIVE (NCERT) signed an MoU with SSRGSP Bhopal to strengthen vocational education through industry-aligned curricula, teacher training, advanced infrastructure, and inclusive skill development for a future-ready workforce.
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- DGT announced admissions for Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) 2026-27, inviting eligible candidates to apply online by May 10, with selection through a nationwide computer-based entrance test scheduled on May 31.
- NSDC signed an MoU with ITEES, Singapore, to strengthen India’s skilling ecosystem through global collaboration, focusing on advanced training systems, improved employability, and enhanced institutional capacity.
- Manipur University has emerged as a leading NEP 2020 adopter, implementing FYUP and flexible credit systems early, promoting multidisciplinary learning and academic mobility despite infrastructural and regional challenges.
- CBSE launched a Parenting Calendar for 2026-27 to strengthen school-parent collaboration, supporting holistic student development in line with NEP 2020, following positive feedback from its earlier implementation.
- The government plans reforms in PMKVY 5.0, focusing on outcome-based funding and incentivising employers to hire certified candidates, aiming to improve certification rates, placements, and post-training tracking mechanisms.
- Prof. (Dr.) Roopak Vasishtha assumed charge as Director General and CEO of ATDC, bringing extensive experience in skilling and education to strengthen apparel training and expand employment opportunities nationwide.
Key developments in India’s skill ecosystem
- MSDE launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development during the “Women Leading the Future of Work” conference in Pune, attended by key national and international dignitaries.
- IN-SPACe signed MoUs with two Gujarat-based universities to boost skill development and workforce readiness, aiming to strengthen India’s space sector through enhanced academic collaboration and training initiatives.
- Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal underscored the maritime sector’s economic importance as Delhi University and the Centre for Maritime Economy signed an MoU to boost education, research, and Blue Economy initiatives.
- A CBSE school’s meet in Andhra Pradesh discussed introducing vocational courses and integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum, aiming to enhance practical learning and align education with emerging industry requirements.
- Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed Adani Foundation’s garment skills centre in Shivpuri as transformative, stating it will empower rural women, boost production capacity, and create opportunities for national and global market access.
- Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, inaugurated skill training at NISST, Mandi Gobindgarh, to enhance employability in the secondary steel sector, emphasising rising production capacity, workforce demand, and the need for practical industry-oriented training.
- The NCVET granted Awarding Body (Dual) status to Telangana’s DET, enabling it to conduct training, assessment, and certification, strengthening state-led skill development systems.
- The government highlighted ongoing Skill India initiatives, focusing on expanding industry-aligned training, digital platforms, and apprenticeship programmes to equip youth with employable skills and strengthen workforce readiness nationwide.
- The government strengthened its skilling push in Budget 2026–27, increasing funding for technology industry-aligned programmes, focusing on demand-based training, and stronger links between education, infrastructure, and employment.
- Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched the National Entrepreneurs Empowerment Drive in Jaipur to boost rural entrepreneurship, alongside an MoU for establishing a Skill India International Centre.
State initiatives driving skilling and innovation
- The Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation inaugurated two training centres to enhance employability among minority youth. The institutes, launched in Ranga Reddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri, will offer courses in AI prompt engineering and digital marketing.
- The Tripura government introduced a three-month EMT training programme in Gomati under PMKVY to enhance emergency healthcare services, equip youth with critical skills, and strengthen manpower for ambulance and pre-hospital care systems.
- The Government of Maharashtra has launched MahaChatur AI, a WhatsApp-based platform to help youth access apprenticeships from eligibility to placement.
- Meghalaya launched “GreenSkills+” with GIZ India and Schneider Electric to strengthen green vocational training, equipping ITI educators and students with skills for renewable energy and clean workforce development.
- Punjab government distributed toolkits to 351 ITI trainees across five districts to promote self-employment among SC youth, aiming to enhance livelihoods and economic empowerment through skill-based entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Jammu and Kashmir received PM-VIKAS targets covering over 14,000 beneficiaries, including allocations for non-traditional and traditional skilling, alongside education initiatives to expand outreach across the Union Territory.
- A Telangana delegation visited Finland to study its vocational education model, highlighting the need to reform India’s skilling system and elevate vocational training alongside mainstream academic pathways.
Industry-led training and workforce readiness
- CREDAI Pune recently hosted its Construction Safety Awards. Maharashtra announced plans to invest ₹600 crore in modern skill development centres for construction workers in Mumbai and Nagpur.
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders signed an MoU with NACE International India to establish India’s first marine blasting and painting skill centre, offering globally recognised certification under a five-year training programme.
CSR contributions to skills and livelihoods
- ASUS India completed one year of its digital literacy initiative with VIDYA India, reaching nearly 13,000 children and 650 youth, while promoting digital awareness among women across multiple states.
- HURL Managing Director Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty inaugurated Project “SAKSHAM” in Gorakhpur, with university leadership and officials from NSDC and HURL present, marking a step toward skill development initiatives.
- Xiaomi India launched JeevikaSaathi+ to empower women entrepreneurs in Rajasthan, targeting over 1,000 beneficiaries through skill training, digital learning, and financial support to strengthen grassroots enterprises and sustainable livelihoods.
- Sungrow partnered with CCSE to launch a solar PV installer training programme in Najafgarh, aimed at equipping underprivileged youth, including women, with skills for renewable energy jobs.
- Casio India revamped the Musical Bus with Manzil Mystics, expanding mobile music education in Delhi. The initiative offers a travelling classroom, studio, and performance space to enhance creative learning access.
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 industry integration
- ITM Vocational University launched new undergraduate programs in banking and finance to enhance industry readiness. The courses feature internships, fintech training, and job assurance, building on the institution’s strong professional training legacy.
- IITM Pravartak, in collaboration with Emeritus and supported by DST, launched a professional certificate programme in Agentic AI to address the rising demand for autonomous, decision-making artificial intelligence systems.
- Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Udupi, highlighting its role in skill development and exports, noting its growth since 2016 with advanced technologies like CAD and 3D printing.
- Talent Skillsvarsity partnered with FundEnable to launch the PGDM – IX Venture Studio, a programme focused on developing intrapreneurial skills through real-world venture building, bridging gaps in traditional management education.
- Delhi Technological University signed an MoU with IRISET to integrate railway signalling and the indigenous KAVACH system into its Electronics and Communication Engineering programme, enhancing specialised technical training.
*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.in, providing valid reasons, and we will remove the link to your content.
