Meet this NTTF alumnus who strongly believes in continuous learning and upskilling

For the last six decades, Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) has been leading technical education from the front. The pioneering institute has created many leaders and a majority of NTTF alumni have embarked on the journey to build successful careers. 

NTTF provides industry-relevant training to create skilled youth by making them industry-ready. Apart from educational and technical training, NTTF inculcates strong values like patience, persistence and perseverance which help the students to excel in every field.

To know more about the contribution of NTTF courses while working in the industry, Team NSN connected with Mr Gunalan Thanikachalam, Assistant General Manager – New Product Development, TVS Motor Company. We’re happy to share his journey as an NTTF alumnus. Read on to know more.

Q. Could you please tell us about your journey so far, as an NTTF alumnus?

A: I completed my PG in Tool Engineering from NTTF in 2007. After the completion of my course, I joined TVS Motor Company where I worked in different departments starting from sourcing to R&D. Currently, I am an Assistant General Manager in the New Product Development Department in TVS Motor Company. 

The learnings from NTTF have given me a very good base to face any kind of challenges in the automotive industry. The exposure to various product development processes like engineering and product designs, design analysis and simulation plastics, die casting, stampings, jig and fixtures along with the hands-on training has helped in every step of my professional career.

Q. What are some of the critical challenges that the courses have helped you overcome in your professional life?

A: Both the courses (Diploma and PG) have provided me with the required hands-on experience and made me industry-ready from Day 1.  The theory part was also well-explained to us by our trainers which helped us understand and retain the concepts. The unique combination of theory and practice helped me build the much-required expertise in the automotive domain. In my company, now I am known for my tooling competency. 

Q. What would be your message to youngsters about acquiring new skills and upgrading one-self?

A: Today, diversification in learning is extremely crucial. We should not restrict ourselves to just one competency and we should work towards continuously upskilling ourselves.

Tool and die making is a core skill and it is unique. However, I strongly believe in continuous learning and continued to upskill myself to keep myself updated.

So, anyone who wants to be successful and has a strong career growth must upgrade their skills and learn something new on a regular basis.

Q. Please tell us how aspiring youngsters can prepare themselves for an industry environment? Do they need to learn any other skills?

A: Industry-integrated education is the need of the hour. The courses at NTTF are one-of-its-kind, as practical exposure in the courses is very high. The courses are industry-aligned and it will help the students to become industry-ready. The industry doesn’t need to train the students who are passing out from NTTF as they will be ready to be deployed to the projects directly. 

After completing your course from NTTF, you will be able to perform from day one in the industry. While the courses will make you industry-ready and will prepare you to give your best, there are other major skills that you must acquire along with the courses which will make you more employable by the industry. 

Also read: How NTTF ignites the spirit of entrepreneurship through Skill-based Education and Training https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/oldsite/nttf-ignites-the-spirit-of-entrepreneurship-through-skill-based-education/

Even after entering the industry, you must keep investing your time to learn new things every now and then. This way you will stay updated and your skills will never become obsolete.

Find a good mentor who can constantly coach you while your study and in your organisation as well, it’s very important to have that external perspective coming from coaches & mentors to constantly push yourself to excellence.