Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on Skill Development and Education – 3rd March 2026

This week’s NSN Newsbytes spotlight a decisive push towards AI-integrated training, apprenticeship expansion and industry-aligned reforms. From the launch of nationwide campaigns at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and major PM-SETU reforms to upgrade 1,000 ITIs, to new apprenticeship opportunities at NPCIL, the focus remains on future-ready skills. 

States are advancing innovation through ITI upgrades, global MoUs, residential training programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives, while leading corporates like Microsoft, Google, HDFC Bank and American Express are strengthening digital, AI and employability ecosystems. CSR-led interventions, international collaborations and sector-specific certifications further reinforce inclusive growth. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s strategic momentum toward building a globally competitive, technology-enabled and industry-responsive talent pipeline.

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!

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!

Highlights from this week’s Newsbytes – 

• At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched the nationwide “Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai” campaign, with Amitabh Bachchan promoting awareness and participation in the Skill India Digital Hub.
• The Vice-President lauded the Times of India Group summit, highlighted India’s rise to the fourth-largest economy under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and emphasised stronger government-industry collaboration and CSR-driven inclusive growth.
• The Ministry of Skill Development convened an Industry Leadership Conclave on PM-SETU in Bhopal, advancing industry-led governance and reforms to make ITIs globally competitive and demand-driven.

Government initiatives in skill development and education

• At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship convened a high-level session on Human-Centric AI, highlighting India’s leadership in building inclusive, talent-driven AI ecosystems.
• Under PM SETU, 1,000 upgraded ITIs will add 1.2 lakh seats across 50 new courses in emerging sectors, including AI, renewables, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.
• Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary reviewed academic reforms at CSTARI Kolkata, highlighting industry-aligned curricula, AI-integrated training, green technology courses, and alignment with the National Credit Framework.
• The 47th NSQC meeting, chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, reviewed qualifications from NCVET-recognised bodies and deliberated on revisions to National Occupational Standards and micro-credentials.
• Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann laid the foundation for a ₹24.50 crore ITI in Mansa district, set to train 240 students annually in advanced technical trades.
• Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering launched advanced training for ITI instructors under the PM Sector Review Project, focusing on industry-aligned skills, including Alumino Thermit welding.
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship held a two-day JSS conference in Bhopal, reviewing progress and strengthening governance of community-based vocational training for marginalised groups nationwide.

State-led skilling, innovation and reforms

• The Government of Odisha has signed four MoUs, including a key partnership with Tata Technologies, to upgrade 22 ITIs into Centres of Excellence, strengthening industry-aligned technical education and workforce readiness.
• Andhra Pradesh secured 23 medals, including two golds, at the IndiaSkills South Regional Competition 2025-26, showcasing strong performance in industry-aligned and emerging technology trades.
• In Uttar Pradesh, 1,712 empanelled training providers will undergo performance assessment in March, with grading based on past targets and placements to determine 2026-27 allocations.
• Prof V Balakista Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), attended the India Skill Competition South Regional Meet, engaging with NSDC leadership to strengthen industry-linked certifications, internships and skill programmes in Telangana universities.
• The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries signed an MoU with the Jharkhand Government Tool Room to strengthen industry linkages, internships and placement support for students.
• Nagaland’s Department of Employment launched the PACES skill programme across five districts to enhance job readiness and livelihood opportunities for rural youth and women through demand-driven training.
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath began his Japan visit, securing ₹11,000 crore MoUs with firms including Kubota, Nagase, and Japan Aviation Electronics, boosting India-Japan economic cooperation.
• The Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board approved the Delhi Khadi Skill Development Scheme to empower over 16,000 artisan families through training, financial support, toolkits and digital market access.
• Sikkim’s Skill Development Department launched its first residential training under INSPIRES and flagged off LMV training at SICB Jorethang, strengthening capacity-building and transport-linked employability initiatives.
• The Department of Employment and Training, Tamil Nadu, has identified government school campuses for establishing 100 pilot ITIs, aiming to expand vocational education at the secondary level.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute launched a four-week ESDP at ITI Udhampur, training 35 aspiring entrepreneurs under the MSME-supported Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance scheme.
• At Transport Logistic India 2026 in Mumbai, Telangana outlined its roadmap to become a global logistics hub by 2047 through infrastructure, digital integration, sustainability and skill development.
• Over 60 youths in Assam completed a six-month ‘Pipeline to Possibilities’ training programme, gaining classroom and on-the-job skills in the City Gas Distribution sector.
• The Himachal Pradesh government established a Rs. 2 crore Innovation Fund to promote skill development and strengthen the state’s start-up ecosystem, encouraging youth-led, industry-aligned innovation initiatives.

Industry-Led collaborations driving workforce readiness

• Microsoft has launched its Elevate for Educators programme in India, targeting two million teachers and 200,000 schools by 2030, with all 75 CM Shri schools in Delhi adopting the initiative.
• The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), in collaboration with the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Servicing Sector Society (RASSS), completed the second batch of its AC technician certification programme at Bhiwadi’s Common Utility Center.
• In Bengaluru, Agilemania has launched AI-enabled Agile training programmes to bridge industry skill gaps, offering practical, expert-led courses aligned with evolving Agile and AI workforce demands.
• Google has launched an AI Professional Certificate to address India’s widening AI talent gap, offering a short-term, application-focused programme to build practical workplace AI skills.
• HDFC Bank impacted 38.74 lakh lives in Odisha through Parivartan CSR since 2017, focusing on rural development, education, livelihoods, healthcare and financial literacy.
• GJEPC and Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC concluded a three-day AI training in Kolkata, equipping 22 jewellery professionals with skills in AI-driven design, CAD automation and smart manufacturing.

CSR initiatives in skilling and education

• The BC Jindal Foundation is advancing youth and women employability in Howrah through the BC Jindal Skill Centre, Belur, offering industry-aligned training across nine trades with assured placement support.
• SGBS Unnati Foundation has listed its UNXT employability programme on NSE’s Social Stock Exchange, delivering free skill training across 14 states with over 60% job and education outcomes.
• American Express India has partnered with Magic Bus India Foundation to train nearly 3,000 youth in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, enhancing digital skills and employability through industry-relevant training.
• NLC India Limited has signed an MoU with NPTI to offer a one-year Post-Diploma in Power Plant Engineering for project-affected persons and unemployed youth in Cuddalore.
• Global Schools Group signed a ₹1,051-crore MoU with Uttar Pradesh to establish 10 skill-focused K-12 schools, generating 6,000 jobs across Noida, Lucknow and Jewar.
• Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission held high-level discussions with corporate and CSR leaders to strengthen entrepreneurship development, knowledge partnerships and industry collaboration in the state.
• The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers hosted the 7th SIAM CSR Conclave in New Delhi, highlighting collaborative CSR initiatives aligned with sustainability, education, health and skill development.

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/

AI and the Future of Higher Education

• In Ahmedabad, the Blind People’s Association laid the foundation for a ₹5 crore AI-based skill development centre aimed at empowering persons with disabilities and bridging the digital divide through advanced, technology-driven training.
• IIT-Indore trained 95 Simrol villagers in organic farming, construction skills and post-harvest management, strengthening sustainable rural livelihoods through hands-on sessions and expert-led workshops.
• VVISM launched an Apprenticeship Embedded BS Computer Science programme, combining campus study and industry training, aligned with the Centre’s apprenticeship-driven workforce development agenda.

*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.