Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on Skill Development and Education – 29th September 2026

This week’s NSN Newsbytes highlights key developments in India’s skill development and vocational education ecosystem, with a focus on industry-aligned training, emerging technologies and employment opportunities. From government initiatives to strengthen ITIs and expand apprenticeship programmes to new partnerships in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles and green skills, these developments reflect the growing emphasis on building a future-ready workforce. An RFP from FICSI also invites proposals for an impact assessment of food processing skill development projects.

International collaborations are opening pathways for skilled professionals, while institutions are updating curricula to meet evolving industry demands. India’s achievements at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 further showcase its growing skills capabilities. Together, these initiatives highlight the role of government, industry and academia in advancing vocational training, employability and sustainable livelihoods. 

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

Apprenticeships

• OPTCL has invited applications for 100 Graduate, Diploma and ITI Trade Apprentice positions for 2026-27, with stipends ranging from ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 per month. The last date to apply is October 1, 2026. Click here to apply!

FICSI invites proposals for Impact Assessment of Food Processing Skill Projects

The Food Industry Capacity for Skill and Innovation (FICSI) has invited proposals from eligible and experienced research/consulting agencies to conduct an impact assessment of two projects: Mission Shakti–Odisha and the Pre-Apprenticeship Skill Enhancement Program (P-ASEP). The assessment will examine outcomes related to skills, employment, livelihoods, income, beneficiary satisfaction and project impact. Last date to apply: 6 October 2026. Click here to view and apply!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes

• India secured 10th place at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, winning six silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence across various skill categories.
• SEMICON India 2026 concluded in New Delhi with 15 announcements and collaborations focused on semiconductor innovation, indigenous computing, AI, quantum technologies, startups and workforce development. 
• DDU-GKY 2.0 will launch 1,164 training batches for 34,920 rural youth across 14 States and UTs from October 2026. 

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National skill development updates

• MSDE approved a ₹320 crore investment plan for Haryana’s Kurukshetra ITI Cluster under PM-SETU, taking cumulative sanctioned investments to ₹2,491 crore across 10 clusters.
• India has mapped skilled job roles with 20 countries to align vocational training with international standards and expand overseas employment opportunities for Indian workers.
• India and the UK signed a skilling pact to strengthen beauty and wellness training, align qualifications and expand overseas employment opportunities for Indian professionals.
• Mahanadi Coalfields Limited signed MoUs to provide skill training and support turmeric cultivation, promoting livelihood opportunities and income generation among local communities. 
• NSTI Women, Noida, invited applications for 2026-27 CTS programmes in AI, drone technology, semiconductors, 5G networks, design and other vocational trades.
• Team India’s largest-ever 70-member contingent began competing in 63 skill categories at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 14 participants from ITIs. 
• The Northeast Education Conclave adopted resolutions for region-specific NEP 2020 implementation, focusing on learning outcomes, teacher capacity, vocational education, technology and infrastructure.
• MSDE inaugurated the Skills4Future EV and Green Skills Lab at NSTI Bengaluru, providing hands-on training in EV systems, battery technologies, diagnostics and green technologies. 

State-led Skill Initiatives 

• JKBOSE consulted vocational education and agriculture experts to develop locally relevant courses, including agriculture, while pursuing dual recognition from NCVET. 
• Tripura’s Higher Education Minister Shri Kishor Barman called for skill-based learning, entrepreneurship, industry exposure and inter-state collaboration to strengthen NEP 2020 implementation.
• Keralam will constitute an expert panel to update vocational higher secondary courses, aligning school-level skill education with emerging industry requirements and employment opportunities. 
• SCTCE and KSRTC signed a five-year MoU to strengthen employee training in electric mobility, vehicle maintenance, data analytics and operational efficiency.
• Sikkim’s Skill Development Department organised a PM-NAPS awareness programme for MSMEs, explaining apprenticeship registration, stipend provisions and workplace training to expand youth employment opportunities. 
• Haryana is upgrading 60 government ITIs across 12 clusters and introducing AI, electric vehicle, and cybersecurity courses through industry partnerships under PM-SETU. 
• Bihar plans to revamp vocational education by introducing job-oriented courses in AI, robotics, animation and mobile repairing while phasing out outdated programmes. 
• Uttarakhand’s Skill Development Department signed an MoU with M3M Foundation to provide industry-aligned training in EVs, automobile maintenance, IoT and plumbing.
• Bihar’s Vidya Saathi education app crossed three lakh enrolments within a month, with 73% of users from rural areas, expanding digital academic support. 
• ITI Leh organised a PM National Apprenticeship Mela to connect skilled youth with employers, promote hands-on training and expand employment pathways through apprenticeships. 
• Karnataka introduced AI as an NSQF-aligned vocational subject for Classes 9 and 10 across 1,642 government schools, drawing opposition from language teachers. 

Industry Partnerships for Employability 

• ESSCI and NIELIT signed an MoU to expand industry-aligned training and certification in semiconductors, AI, IoT, drones, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. 
• Maruti Suzuki plans to invest nearly ₹100 crore over two years to upgrade 31 ITIs to Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing standards, enhancing industry-aligned vocational training.
• Maruti Suzuki aims to increase female enrolment at its Manesar JIM to 30% by 2028-29, offering tuition waivers and dedicated hostel facilities. 
• Ericsson and TSSC inaugurated a Centre of Excellence at Mumbai’s Government ITI Govandi, offering training in 5G, IoT, telecom assembly and device repair. 
• NAMTECH and Intel signed an MoU at SEMICON India 2026 to develop AI and semiconductor skills, strengthen employability and build a future-ready workforce. 
• B&WSSC India and the UK’s VTCT Skills signed an MoU to strengthen international cooperation, enhance training quality and align beauty and wellness qualifications with global standards. 
• Jindal Stainless partnered with NASSCOM’s FutureSkills Prime to upskill employees in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, IoT, blockchain and digital leadership through industry-validated certifications. 

CSR initiatives in skills and livelihoods

• Mizoram organised CSR Conclave 2026 to strengthen corporate partnerships and encourage investments in skill development, entrepreneurship, sports and community development. 

Higher Education and Emerging Skills  

• NIFT Srinagar launched a five-day dyeing and embroidery training programme in Leh to upgrade artisans’ skills, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen Ladakh’s handicrafts sector.
• Ranchi University plans to improve vocational courses by involving permanent faculty, strengthening industry-academia linkages and enhancing placement opportunities to address declining student enrolment. 
• RGUHS and PCI signed an MoU to establish India’s first pharmacy skill lab in Bengaluru, offering hands-on training, simulation and competency assessment for pharmacy professionals. 
• Jindal Stainless received NCVET recognition as an Awarding Body, enabling industry-led qualifications and certification, beginning with a Level 4 stainless steel manufacturing operator course.

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 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.