India’s skilling ecosystem continued to witness significant momentum this week, with major policy reforms, state-led initiatives, industry partnerships and innovative training programmes aimed at strengthening workforce readiness. From the launch of SARTHI to drive ITI transformation and the celebration of 12 years of Skill India, to new investments in AI, digital learning, vocational education and global mobility pathways, stakeholders across government, academia and industry are working to equip learners with future-ready skills.
States are expanding access to industry-aligned training, apprenticeships and career guidance, while organisations are investing in specialised skilling centres and technology-enabled learning solutions. These developments reflect a growing focus on employability, entrepreneurship, inclusion and lifelong learning, supporting India’s vision of building a skilled, competitive and globally connected workforce for the future.
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 Updates
- The Indian Navy opened applications for the Agniveer (Apprentice) 2026 batches, offering diploma holders a pathway to technical training, skill development and naval careers. Click here to Apply!
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- MSDE has launched SARTHI, a national task force to drive ITI reforms and align vocational training with evolving industry and workforce needs.
- The Skill Development Ministry marked 12 years of Skill India, with 13,888+ ITIs, 56 lakh apprentices, 1.64 crore PMKVY trainees, 1.5 crore SIDH registrations and 30 international skilling centres supporting workforce readiness and global mobility.
- Uttar Pradesh plans to establish Singapore-inspired industrial and employment hubs, providing large-scale technical training, vocational education, job placement and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth.
- Nagaland has launched mentorship and skill-development programmes for student athletes, promoting holistic growth, career awareness and sustainable livelihood opportunities beyond sports.
National skill development updates
- Five new solar-powered Skill Vans have been launched across India, delivering AI-enabled learning, digital access and employability training to underserved communities and youth.
- Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal launched AI-enabled training, placement, and skill development initiatives in Mumbai to boost youth employability, industry readiness, and global career opportunities under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- PSSCIVE-NCERT and SCERT Sikkim conducted a capacity-building programme to equip teachers with vocational education, career guidance, entrepreneurship and implementation strategies under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.
- PSSCIVE-NCERT, in collaboration with RIE Nellore, conducted a five-day teacher training programme on vocational education implementation, bringing together 34 teachers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
State initiatives driving skilling and innovation
- TAHDCO has launched textile-sector skill development programmes for SC and ST youth, offering specialised training in textile manufacturing, painting, dyeing and printing.
- Andhra Pradesh MSME Minister Shri Kondapalli Srinivas inaugurated an AI-based Skill Development Centre in Kakinada, aimed at equipping students, women and rural youth with future-ready AI skills.
- Gujarat has introduced new-age courses across ITIs, including AI, EV technology, drones, IoT, 3D printing and mechatronics, to boost industry-ready skills and employability.
- Madhya Pradesh is expanding digital learning, vocational education, and student support services, introducing new industry-focused courses and digital infrastructure across higher education institutions.
- Telangana is strengthening ties with Japan to expand skill development, employment opportunities, and workforce mobility, with a focus on training and overseas placements for youth.
- Odisha has launched a programme to train 1,000 women students annually in AI and emerging technologies, enhancing industry-ready skills through practical, technology-focused learning.
- Telangana has transformed traditional ITIs into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs), strengthening industry-aligned skill development and enhancing employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
- Nagaland’s Higher and Technical Education departments have partnered to expand skill-based learning, introducing AI and industry-focused courses to improve student employability.
- Five Karnataka GTTC students have been selected by Germany’s Rheinbahn AG under the Ausbildung programme, strengthening international skilling and overseas employment opportunities.
- Delhi has opened admissions for 2026 – 27 ITI courses, offering vocational training across multiple trades to strengthen employability and industry-ready skills among youth.
- Rohtak district, Haryana, will introduce career counselling for Class IX students in government schools, helping them explore higher education, vocational training and emerging career opportunities early.
- Odisha will provide apprenticeship exposure to 10,000 undergraduate students in 2026-27, integrating academic learning with industry training under the Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programme.
Industry partnerships and workforce readiness
- Hyundai Motor India partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to develop EV-focused skills and training programmes, preparing talent for careers in electric mobility, AI, automation and advanced manufacturing.
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) will launch a Future Skills Centre with NSDC and Ethnotech Academy, offering industry-focused training in AI, cybersecurity, data science, robotics and emerging technologies.
- L’Oréal India has launched its largest Beauty Skilling Centre in Mumbai, aiming to train 3,000 individuals annually in beauty and wellness careers.
- Page Industries has inaugurated a ₹750-crore apparel manufacturing facility in Odisha, boosting industrial growth, employment generation and the state’s textile ecosystem.
- QCI and FDDI have partnered to strengthen skilling, certification, testing and quality standards in India’s leather and footwear sector, supporting workforce development and MSMEs.
CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods
- Ambuja Cements’ skilling programme has trained over 20,000 rural youth across Gujarat, boosting employment, entrepreneurship and women’s participation in non-traditional trades.
- Dell Technologies has launched five solar-powered community hubs across India, providing AI-enabled learning, digital access and employability support to underserved youth and women.
- CIDCO has launched free aviation skill training for Navi Mumbai airport project-affected youth, preparing them for careers in airport operations and allied services.
Higher education, technology and digital skills
- IIM Indore and VCnow have launched an advanced sustainability leadership programme to equip professionals with strategic skills for CSR, sustainable growth and future-ready business practices.
- Ramaiah Academy Foundation and Dassault Systèmes have partnered to establish a Deep Science Innovation Complex in Bengaluru, accelerating the commercialisation of research across key technology sectors.
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.
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.
