This week’s NSN Newsbytes brings together key developments spanning apprenticeships, vocational education, industry partnerships, state-led skilling programmes, CSR-led livelihood initiatives and emerging technology skills. From expanded apprenticeship opportunities at SAIL and ISRO to stronger India-Japan cooperation on workforce mobility, the focus remains firmly on connecting learning with employment. States are also strengthening ITIs, introducing AI and vocational education in schools, and creating Centres of Excellence aligned with industry needs. Meanwhile, companies and foundations are expanding access to AI, cybersecurity, drones, robotics and other emerging technologies. Together, these developments underline a growing emphasis on industry relevance, employability, hands-on learning and inclusive access to skills.
Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –
Apprenticeships
- SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant has invited applications for 1,110 Trade, Diploma and Graduate Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Last date to apply: 26 August 2026. Click here to apply!
- ISRO’s URSC invited applications for 410 Apprentice positions in Bengaluru, covering Graduate, Technician and Commercial Practice apprenticeships, with stipends up to ₹12,300 per month. Applications are open until August 28, 2026. Click here to apply!
Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes
- PM Shri Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams and plans to train 10 million youths in AI over the next year.
- India and Japan deepen skilling cooperation through stakeholder consultations focused on industry-aligned training, language preparation, assessments and global workforce mobility.
National skill development updates
- NIELIT launches Digital University with NCVET-approved, NSQF-aligned programmes in AI, cybersecurity, data science, semiconductors and cloud computing.
- MSDE hosts Kaushal Manthan in Kolkata, bringing Centre and States together to strengthen industry-linked skilling and transform ITIs into centres of excellence.
- NITI Aayog proposes vocational education from Class 9 and employability skills from Class 6, aiming to strengthen career readiness and workplace skills among students.
State-led Skill Initiatives
- Karnataka will introduce AI education from Class VI, launching AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukul to build students’ digital and coding skills.
- UPSDM and IIA partner to strengthen industry-institute linkages, expand apprenticeships and placements, and provide youth with practical, industry-oriented training.
- Uttar Pradesh pushes stronger industry-ITI partnerships, apprenticeships and job-focused training, while upgrading ITIs and advanced skill labs to improve youth employability.
- Odisha allows apprenticeship degree students to take additional multidisciplinary and skill enhancement courses, helping meet subject requirements for higher education and competitive exams.
- Goa’s Government ITI Mapusa records a 90.66% pass rate in July 2026’s All India Trade Test, with seven trainees scoring a perfect 600.
- Odisha lays the foundation for a ₹4.8-crore EV Technology Centre of Excellence at Government ITI Mathili, alongside upgraded labs, classrooms and training infrastructure.
- Gujarat receives 250+ partnership applications for its 2026-27 skilling programme, targeting 1.03 lakh youth across 20 sectors and 12 emerging technology domains.
- Punjab launches a plan to transform government ITIs into industry-aligned Centres of Excellence through modern infrastructure, upgraded curricula, faculty development and stronger industry linkages.
- Delhi makes vocational education and a third language compulsory for Class 9, while introducing optional advanced-level Mathematics and Science assessments under a revised promotion system.
- Manipur flags off 16 youth for overseas skill training and jobs in Japan under SLEE, following Japanese language training and placement support.
Industry Partnerships for Employability
- SRCC and EY India launch 12-month AI VIBE programme, offering students immersive training in AI, analytics, fintech, blockchain and responsible AI.
- GJSCI launched its “Future Facets” industry consultation workshop in Mumbai to identify emerging skills and shape future-ready workforce strategies for India’s jewellery sector.
CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods
- Smile Foundation makes AI learning mandatory in its STeP programme, integrating AI tools into employability training for over 15,000 youth annually across eight states.
- GMRVF inaugurates a Bhogapuram skill centre to train 1,000 youth annually, combining practical training, industry partnerships and domestic and international placement support.
- ASUS India and VIDYA Foundation hosted VIDYA Tech Fest 2026 and inaugurated a new Tinkering Lab at Powai, promoting hands-on technology learning for underserved students.
- NTPC Korba expands CSR efforts through education, skill development and community initiatives, creating opportunities and strengthening capabilities among local communities.
- NEEPCO partners with CIPET-CSTS Guwahati to provide placement-linked Polymer Science and Technology training to 141 underprivileged youth across seven locations.
- Garuda Aerospace will train 100 women annually in Goa as certified drone pilots, promoting women’s participation in emerging drone technology and livelihoods.
Higher Education and Emerging Skills
- IIT Dharwad offers free one-year AI Technocrat training under PM-VIKAS for eligible graduates, with certification, a ₹1,000 monthly stipend and placement support.
- IGNOU and NCW launch three micro-credential courses on POSH, women’s leadership and gender sensitisation, promoting workplace safety, empowerment and capacity building.
- IIT Kanpur launches a Hindi online cybersecurity vocational programme with DBRAU and VIF, targeting over three lakh students across 570-plus colleges.
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.
