This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlights key developments in India’s skill development and vocational education landscape. From major investments to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to new initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, the focus remains on building an industry-ready workforce. The government, educational institutions and industry partners are expanding training opportunities, strengthening industry linkages and creating pathways to domestic and international employment.
State-led initiatives are also addressing regional skill requirements, while partnerships with private organisations are supporting technical education, teacher training and livelihood development. In addition, CSR initiatives and innovative funding mechanisms are opening new avenues for skill development and employment generation.
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –
Webinar – How Can We Build Employability Into Everyday Teaching and Training?
Team NSN organised a webinar on “How Can We Build Employability Into Everyday Teaching and Training?” on 15 October 2026. The session explored practical ways educators and trainers can integrate employability into everyday teaching and training, helping learners apply their knowledge through meaningful activities.
Watch the webinar recording: Click here!
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- The Global Skills Mobility Association of India (GSMAI) was launched with 17 founding organisations to strengthen India’s global skills mobility ecosystem and promote trusted international workforce pathways.
- The government approved ₹1,195 crore to upgrade 25 ITIs across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, modernising infrastructure and strengthening industry-aligned vocational training.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Team India’s WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 participants, urging continuous upskilling, practical learning and global market alignment to strengthen India’s skilled workforce.
Apprenticeships
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) invited applications for Trade, Technician and Graduate Apprentices in its Western Region. Last date to apply: November 4, 2026. Click here to apply!
National skill development updates
- AICTE is expanding AI skilling initiatives to equip students with industry-ready skills through specialised training programmes, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
- NABARD and NSDC are exploring Social Stock Exchange funding to support skill development initiatives and improve overseas employment opportunities for India’s skilled workforce.
- DGT and MSDE partnered with Medhavi Skills University to strengthen industry-linked ITI training, improve practical learning and enhance trainees’ employability through industry collaboration
State-led Skill Initiatives
- A 50-day wood carving training programme began in Nagaland’s Dimapur district, with 30 local artisans receiving advanced skills training under the Government’s handicrafts development initiative.
- Uttar Pradesh approved a Rs 1,725 crore skill development scheme to establish a statewide training and employment network across 75 districts, targeting domestic and international job opportunities.
- Nagaland is exploring a five-year partnership with philanthropic organisations to improve government schools through teacher training, digital infrastructure, vocational education and better learning outcomes.
- Nine government ITIs in Surat and Visakhapatnam will receive a ₹440 crore upgrade under PM-SETU, including a ₹200 crore agreement between Andhra Pradesh, the Centre and AM/NS India to modernise four ITIs in Visakhapatnam and strengthen industry-linked training.
- Aditya Birla Group offered ₹5 crore in CSR funding to construct a new building for Sangam Government ITI in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district.
- Meghalaya plans to add three polytechnics in Nongstoin, Nongpoh and Gasuapara to expand technical education and strengthen industry-aligned vocational training across the state.
- Kerala will launch the Skill Kerala Emerging Technology Skilling Programme to train 10,000 higher education students in advanced technologies and improve employability.
- Telangana plans to provide skill training to 45 lakh people to strengthen workforce readiness and connect local talent with global employment opportunities.
- Rajasthan’s ₹241 crore Bhiwadi ITI cluster will offer industry-focused courses in artificial intelligence, robotics, drones and electric vehicles to strengthen technical skills and employability.
- Tripura is expanding industry-aligned skill development and vocational training programmes to improve youth employability, strengthen workforce readiness and create better employment opportunities across sectors.
Industry Partnerships for Employability
- Google expanded its AI Educator Series through partnerships with three state governments and the MSDE to strengthen AI adoption in education and vocational training.
- FADA Academy and ASDC opened their first joint skill development centre in Agra to strengthen automotive training and develop industry-ready professionals for the sector.
- Knauf India will train 100 participants at its Vijayawada Training Academy, focusing on construction skills to strengthen workforce capabilities and improve industry readiness.
CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods
- IICA concluded NCCSR 2026 in New Delhi, emphasising outcome-driven CSR, stronger governance and measurable development impact to advance India’s inclusive growth and Viksit Bharat vision.
- Ambuja Foundation and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation launched a Security Guard Skill Academy in Rajasthan to provide vocational training and improve employment opportunities for aspiring security personnel.
Higher Education and Emerging Skills
- Guru Nanak Dev University’s Hunar Mela showcased vocational students’ skills, products and entrepreneurial potential, highlighting opportunities for self-employment and skill-based livelihoods.
- Sikkim’s Medhavi Skills University partnered with RDSDE Assam to strengthen workforce training, enhance industry-relevant skills and improve employment opportunities for trainees.
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: Click here!
*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 news 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.
