How NTTF – JNTC Gopalpur is transforming technical training in Odisha since 2005

Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) has been at the forefront of technical education and training for more than six decades. The pioneering institute has a huge presence across the country and every centre is dedicated to impart quality training to make the students industry-ready. NTTF has collaborated with many leading industries to bridge the industry-academia gap by providing skilled manpower to the industry. NTTF – JNTC (J N Tata Technical Education Centre, Gopalpur) is such a collaborative venture of Tata Steel and NTTF which is transforming technical training in Odisha since 2005.

To know more about the initiatives and the technical programs offered by the centre, Team NSN interacted with Ms. Namita Choudhury, Principal, NTTF – JNTC Gopalpur. Read on to know more.

Q. Please tell us about JNTC Gopalpur and the key programs offered at the training center? What are the unique features of the center?

A: NTTF at J N Tata Technical Education Centre, Gopalpur, is a joint venture of Tata Steel and NTTF established in the year 2005. It was inaugurated on 20th April 2005 by Mr. Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha. The centre has well equipped laboratories, workshops, computer labs with internet access, large and spacious classrooms, and professionally qualified teachers.

Our facilities include hostel and playgrounds which are well maintained, and the infrastructure is regularly upgraded. 

NTTF, Gopalpur offers the following diploma and certificate programs. 

• Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering and Smart Factory 
• Diploma in Manufacturing Technology
• Diploma in Electronics
• Certificate Program in Multiskill (2 years duration)

Approximately 1800 trainees from Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have completed their courses and currently working at various reputed industries pan India and abroad.

 In addition to the core programs, NTTF-Gopalpur conducts Placement-Linked Training Programme (PLTP) in association with Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), Government of Odisha, to train the unemployed youth of state from the year 2017. We have trained and placed more than 1500 youth from all the districts of Odisha under PLTP. The following short-term skill development programs are ongoing at Gopalpur centre under OSDA.

• CNC Milling (NSQF Level-3) – 3.5 months
• CNC Turning (NSQF Level-3) – 5 months
• Fitter Fabrication and Fitter Mechanical Assembly (NSQF Level-3) – 3.5 months
• Pipe Fitter and Industrial Electrician (NSQF Level-4) – 5 months
• Electronic Sub assembly & Manual Soldering Technician (NSQF Level-4) – 3 months
• CNC Programmer & Machine shop Master Technician (NSQF Level-6) – 5 months
• Cyber Security Analyst (NSQF Level-8) – 5.5 months

We have conducted TOT programs for the trainers of Government ITI and Polytechnics of Odisha and short-term training programs on Welding, Electrician and Fitter trade for SC/ST trainees under the Sponsorship of Integral Tribal Development Agency, Mayurbhanj district administration, Odisha.

Apart from their studies, the trainees are encouraged to participate in state and National Level Skill Competitions, Quality Circle, organising Tech Fest, make projects/display from scarp, and in house cultural and sports activities.

Q. For how long have you been associated with NTTF, please share important milestones in your journey?

A: I’ve been associated with NTTF, Gopalpur, since its inception in 2005. I had joined NTTF as a Training Officer in April 2005, and at present I’m heading the centre since November 2019. I was academic in-charge for 10 years and  I was involved in placement activities and implementation of ISO 9001:2008 at the initial stage of training centre.

I am the course coordinator for Diploma in Manufacturing Technology and Certificate Program in Multiskill courses. NTTF has signed an MoU with Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), Government. of Odisha in December 2016 to train the unemployed youth of Odisha. I was the Centre coordinator of the skill development project. 

As a Principal of the training centre, it’s my responsibility to ensure each individual trainee who joins NTTF should complete their study with flying colours. But the challenge is to give special attention to few slow learners. It’s a common belief among few teachers, administrators as well as parents that students with struggling learning levels have very low intelligence. In fact, various researchers have proved that by changing the teaching-learning approach, even slow learners have shown significant improvement in academics. In such cases, the theoretical content is simplified, and extra care is taken to make them strong in practical subjects.

Q. How has been the response of the students to the technical courses offered? Does the center/zone offer any specific courses that address the needs of the regional industry in Odisha?

A: Students are highly motivated at NTTF as they get hands-on experience in their practical subjects. They are keen to learn operating machines and equipments independently. Diploma trainees take up various hobby projects on their own during the first two years. In final year, they make tooling/ equipments by utilising IoT, which makes them industry- ready. Recently, we conducted Alumni Meet of our training centre, all the trainees have expressed their views how NTTF has given them a niche in in their carrier.  

At present Odisha is growing in mining and other industrial areas. Our centre creates technical skill force for the industries.

Q. What about placements? How do you manage industry-connect for suitable placements?

A: Our centre is known for a good placement record. Diploma trainees are placed in industries like Tata Steel, Tata Refractories, Maruti Suzuki, Fanuc India, Robert Bosch, Bajaj Auto, Makino, Twin Engineers, Lohia Group, Ace Designers, Siemens across India. Few of our alumni have set up their own units in the last 5 years. 

We focus on practical-oriented training and regularly take feedback from industries where our trainees are placed. NTTF has an academic council at corporate office which regularly tracks the developments in the industries to keep the syllabus updated. 

Also read: How R. D. Tata NTTF Technical Education Centre (RNTC) is making students future-ready https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/how-r-d-tata-nttf-technical-education-centre-rntc-is-making-students-future-ready/

Q. How do you ensure that the faculty is upskilled and continuously trained to meet the dynamic nature of industry-integrated curriculum?

A: NTTF has got its own faculty development dept. at corporate office, Bangalore which monitor the skill matrix of individual staff on regular basis in line with the latest technologies. Both offline and online workshops are organised for the faculties as per the training calendar. Staff are encouraged to attend national/international level technical seminars and exhibitions.