Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on Skill Development and Education – 17th March 2026

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlight strong momentum across government policy, industry collaboration, and state-led initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce readiness. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) continued to drive key initiatives, including plans to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers, to expand global mobility opportunities for Indian workers through a partnership with the GATI Foundation, and to review national skill qualifications at the 48th NSQC meeting. 

The government is also advancing future-focused training through programmes such as the SOAR initiative for AI awareness, the C2S semiconductor design training programme, and PMKVY 4.0 courses at IIT Kanpur. States are accelerating skilling through new vocational programmes, AI training, and technology-focused courses, while industry collaborations and CSR initiatives are creating new opportunities in sectors such as electric vehicles, construction, and apparel. 

Together, these efforts reflect a growing push to align education, technology, and industry needs while expanding access to skills, entrepreneurship, and employment nationwide.

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

Tata STRIVE Job Openings – AI-driven job roles in the ITI ecosystem

Tata STRIVE, an initiative of the Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT), is inviting applications under Tata STRIVE Job Openings for multiple roles supporting AI-enabled skilling initiatives across Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India. These roles are part of a nationwide effort to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into non-IT vocational trades such as Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, and Fashion Technology. Interested candidates can apply and submit their resume here. Click here!

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, strengthening India – Australia education collaboration. Download the Toolkit here!

Apprenticeship opportunities – Apply Now!

• NPCIL has released the 2026 Trade Apprentice Notification for 245 vacancies at its Rawatbhata site, with online applications commencing from February 26, 2026. Last date to apply is 18th March 2026. Click here to Apply!
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has announced 405 apprenticeship vacancies for Trade, Technician, and Graduate Apprentice roles under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in the Western Region. Applications are submitted online through NAPS/NATS portals. Last date to apply: 26 March 2026 (5:00 PM). Click here to Apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes 

• MSDE will host a breakout session on strengthening India’s care ecosystem under the Post-Budget Webinar 2026-27, focusing on training 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers.
• India’s Skill Development Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary met Finland’s Employment Minister Matias Marttinen to discuss expanding cooperation in skill development, vocational education and workforce mobility between the two countries.
• The 48th NSQC meeting, chaired by MSDE Secretary Shri Debashree Mukherjee, reviewed skill qualifications, occupational standards and micro-credentials to align vocational training with evolving industry requirements.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted youth aspirations and innovation as India’s key strengths, emphasising modernising education and stakeholder participation through Post-Budget Webinars to support effective Union Budget implementation.

PSSCIVE Initiatives in Vocational Curriculum and Skill Education

• PSSCIVE, Bhopal, held a three-day expert meeting to finalise the Fitness Trainer vocational curriculum and textbooks for Grades XI – XII, focusing on practical skills, exercise science, nutrition, and modern training methods.
• PSSCIVE, Bhopal, organised a three-day expert meeting to finalise curricula and textbooks for Vermicompost Producer and Organic Grower vocational courses, promoting sustainable agriculture and practical farming skills.
• A capacity-building programme organised by SCERT Bihar in collaboration with PSSCIVE, Bhopal, trained 70 DIET representatives, principals, and teachers to strengthen skill education, Bagless Days, and career awareness initiatives in schools aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.
• NCERT’s PSSCIVE, Bhopal, conducted a five-day workshop to develop the Grade IX – X Cloud Computing Assistant curriculum, finalising units, competencies and draft textbook content aligned with industry standards.

Government-led Programmes Strengthening India’s Skilling Ecosystem

• The Directorate General of Training signed a Flexi-MoU with Bajaj Auto to deliver industry-integrated automotive manufacturing training, aiming to enrol 1,000 trainees with programmes lasting up to 24 months.
• Under the C2S initiative of India Semiconductor Mission, the government aims to train 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design, with EDA tools now available in 315 institutions.
• Over 1.9 lakh students and 40,000 educators enrolled in the government’s SOAR programme on Skill India Digital Hub to build foundational artificial intelligence awareness and capabilities nationwide.
• PMKVY 4.0 skill training on “Assistant Machinist – Iron and Steel” has begun at IIT Kanpur, offering a 420-hour programme focused on precision manufacturing technologies and practical exposure.
• MSDE Secretary Smt. Debashree Mukherjee visited the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship in Assam, reviewing skill and incubation facilities and encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage training for sustainable livelihoods.
• MSDE signed an MoU with the GATI Foundation to strengthen overseas skilling and create a roadmap for global mobility of skilled Indian workers and international employment opportunities.
• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams allocated about ₹119 crore for FY 2026-27 to modernise its educational institutions, upgrade infrastructure, introduce technology, and strengthen skill development training.

State Governments Driving Skills and Innovation

• Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education received dual recognition from NCVET as an Awarding Body and Assessment Agency, becoming the second state after Andhra Pradesh to achieve this status. The state will also introduce a specialised horticulture vocational course in schools.
• The Uttar Pradesh government is promoting startups and AI-based skilling through its Startup Policy and AI Pragya Programme, aiming to train one million youth in digital technologies.
• Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the state government has provided 63,000 government jobs to youth, aiming to curb brain drain and strengthen trust in public employment.
• Under Telangana’s 99-Day Action Plan, six short-term advanced technology courses were launched at Girls’ ITI Nalgonda to boost youth skills and align training with modern industry needs.
• Under Sikkim INSPIRES and IEIAP initiatives, Gangtok launched training programmes in social media content creation and two-wheeler and commercial vehicle repair to enhance youth employability.
• The Nagaland government launched a skill development programme through MMWTI to train youth in heavy vehicle and machinery operation, with 45 trainees already completing training.
• Gujarat distributed 40 electric cars to ITIs, enabling over 8,000 Motor Mechanic students to receive hands-on training in electric vehicle technology and emerging mobility sector skills.
• The Gujarat board will introduce vocational education in private schools from 2026-27, integrating skill-based learning under NEP 2020 across 16 sectors, including agriculture, IT, and healthcare.
• Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission launched skill training through RSETIs across districts to promote rural employment and entrepreneurship among youth, SHG members, and economically disadvantaged families.
• A two-day “World of Work” workshop began at PM SHRI school in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, helping students explore emerging careers and workplace trends under an NEP-aligned initiative.
• Youth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will receive free industry-aligned skill training under PMKVY, enhancing employability and livelihood opportunities through courses offered by local institutions.
• Maharashtra approved ₹17.94 crore to build a new hostel at Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Government ITI in Nanded, improving accommodation for students, particularly those from rural backgrounds.
• An apprenticeship awareness campaign was held at Indira Gandhi Government College, Lohit, Arunachal Pradesh, to encourage students to explore apprenticeship opportunities under the Kaushal Bharat, Vikshit Bharat initiative.

Industry Collaborations Boosting Job-Ready Talent

• SANY India supported the first all-women batch of 22 excavator operators at NAC Andhra Pradesh, promoting gender inclusion and expanding skill opportunities in India’s construction sector.
• Michelin India and ASDC completed Project Vahaan and Project EV Shiksha in Pune, training 65 candidates in driver safety and electric-vehicle servicing to support the mobility sector’s workforce needs.

CSR Initiatives Supporting Education and Livelihoods

• Aahwahan Foundation, in partnership with ReBIT, launched a Women Empowerment Centre in Bengaluru, offering free stitching and tailoring training to over 1,000 underprivileged women to support their livelihoods and economic independence.
• Innopay Technologies, with Aashritha Charitable Trust, launched a tailoring skill development programme in Vijayawada to empower underprivileged women with livelihood opportunities and promote financial independence.
• Acronis released its 2025 ESG Report, highlighting progress in sustainability, workforce engagement and responsible technology, while advancing innovation in cyber protection and artificial intelligence.
• Adani Foundation announced the expansion of its Swabhimaan initiative, aiming to empower 10 lakh women entrepreneurs across India, with the first phase targeting one lakh women in Maharashtra.

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/

Emerging Tech and Industry Partnerships in Higher Education

• Honeywell partnered with IIT Bombay to establish a Centre of Excellence at Powai, aiming to train over 100,000 students in sustainability through industry-academia collaboration by 2030.
• IIT-BHU signed an MoU with Hudco to collaborate on training, research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity building of Urban Local Bodies in urban infrastructure development.
• Patliputra University plans to establish 16 new degree colleges across Patna and Nalanda districts to expand higher education access and strengthen infrastructure in rural areas.
• Abhinav Institute of Technology and Management plans nationwide expansion to scale industry-aligned skilling and apprenticeship programmes, focusing on on-the-job training and stronger industry partnerships.

*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.