Second batch of Training of Trainers (ToT) Program at NTTF

As a significant capacity building initiative, Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) joined hands with the Department of Technical Education (DoTE) Tamil Nadu, to successfully organize the second batch of the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. The second batch concluded its comprehensive three-month journey on 21st June 2023.

The Short-Term Technical Teachers Training Program, which comes under the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (“SANKALP”) scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship ( MSDE) with loan assistance from the World Bank, aims to elevate the pedagogical and technical expertise of educators across different technical fields.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) program currently supports 401 beneficiaries. Under the 3-month duration model, there are 219 beneficiaries. Out of them, 119 have successfully completed their training and 100 participants are currently undergoing training. In the 1-year duration model, there are 182 beneficiaries, out of which 68 have completed their training and 114 are currently undergoing training.

Commencing on 15th March 2023, the ToT program followed a meticulous curriculum designed to nurture both online and offline learning experiences. The program’s inaugural event, held on 15th March 2023, was inaugurated by Dr. S. Jayanthi, Additional Director of DoTE, and presided over by the leadership team of NTTF, including Dr. N. Reguraj, Managing Director of NTTF, Mr. R. Rajagopalan, Joint Managing Director, and Mr. B. V. Sudarshan, Deputy Managing Director. The ceremony also saw the presence of the Skill Department team and staff of NTTF, along with the enthusiastic participation of 96 ToT candidates.

The program adopted a blended approach that included online training, in-campus training and industry visits. The outcomes of the program were aligned with the list of objectives specified by MSDE; these included: Pedagogical Excellence, Technical Proficiency, Industry Relevance, Hands-on Labs and Certification and Recognition. This helped the trainers in gaining a holistic perspective of training through interaction with various stakeholders.

Online Training

The online training phase spanned the initial six weeks of the program, offering a blend of pedagogical and domain-focused sessions. This session saw dynamic interactions between experienced faculty members and ToT participants, with engaging face-to-face online sessions taking place during the first half of the day. The latter half was devoted to hands-on assignments and tasks to solidify the concepts covered earlier. While the pedagogical training was comprehensively conducted online, the domain sessions featured introductory sessions, setting the stage for the forthcoming in-campus training.

In-Campus Training

After the online phase, participants eagerly transitioned to the in-campus training segment. The ToT candidates were strategically divided into two groups, each focusing on specialized areas. While one group concentrated on Automotive Automation and Junior Software Development, the other specialized in CNC Programming. Leveraging the state-of-the-art infrastructure and accommodation facilities, the CNC Programming training was conducted at the NTTF-BTC center in Peenya, Bengaluru. Simultaneously, the Automotive Automation and Junior Software Development programs were skillfully executed at the NTTF Electronic City center in Bengaluru.

The commencement of the offline training on 11th May 2023, marked the beginning of an intense and immersive practical training phase. Each group underwent targeted training to acquire specialized skills:

The CNC Programmer participants, stationed at NTTF-BTC, Peenya, delved into subjects like conventional machines, computer-aided design, robotics, CNC programming, and CNC machine operation.
The Automotive Automation Specialist program covered an array of subjects, including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), pneumatics, hydraulics, 3D printing, and robotics. The participants received hands-on experience with industry-level Siemens PLC and explored cutting-edge 3D printing technologies.
The Junior Software Developer program encompassed training in C-programming, Python, SQL, PHP, along with exposure to IOT, UNIX, and R-programming.

Industrial Visits

A highlight of the ToT program was a highly engaging industrial visit to FESTO India Private Limited, a renowned German company, on 30th May, 2023. This excursion provided participants with valuable insights into the industrial landscape, deepening their understanding of real-world applications in the manufacturing sector.

Valedictory Function

The program concluded with a grand valedictory function, graced by Dr. Vinay IAS, Commissioner of Technical Education, DoTE Tamil Nadu, as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Dr. N. Reguraj, who commended the participants for their dedication and diligence throughout the training journey. The valedictory function not only celebrated the achievements of the ToT participants but also emphasized the program’s role in enhancing skills and knowledge for professionals in Tamil Nadu’s technical education sector.

As the applause subsided, NTTF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. B. V. Sudarshan, delivered a warm welcome speech, followed by Dr. Vinay’s insightful remarks on the program’s significance. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by NTTF Skill Development Trainer, Mr. Midhun Das, leaving participants inspired and equipped to drive positive change in the realm of technical education.

The successful completion of the second batch of the Training of Trainers program underscores NTTF’s commitment to fostering excellence in technical education and skill development, paving the way for a brighter future for Tamil Nadu’s aspiring professionals.