The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) have collaborated with various organizations to boost skill development and provide impactful training programs. These initiatives focus on enhancing skills, increasing employability, and empowering individuals for a brighter future. Below are the recent partnerships from NSDC and MSDE.
NSDC International Strengthens Skill Verification Program with TakaMol Holding
Saudi Arabia now mandates Indian job seekers to undergo a Skill Verification Program by NSDCI. This program assesses candidates through theoretical and practical exams at accredited international centres. After thoroughly evaluating their respective fields, candidates are awarded a joint certification from TakaMol and NSDC, validating their skills and qualifications.
Ten international test centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal are now authorized for skill tests and assessments as part of the program. More centres will be introduced in states like Rajasthan, Assam, Ahmedabad, and Karnataka. These centres play a vital role in verifying the qualifications and skills of professionals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia.
The Skill Verification Program was mandated across five trades in India, including:
- Electricity
- Plumbing
- Automotive Electrician
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Welding
The mandate will encompass additional trades such as plastering, tiling, masonry, carpentry, automotive mechanical, and others in the upcoming months. This mandate aims to ensure that professionals aspiring to work in Saudi Arabia meet the required standards by undergoing competency-based exams to verify their qualifications and skills.
In October 2019, NSDCI and TakaMol Holding signed an MoU to harmonize and benchmark skills, benchmarking 17 occupations. In March 2022, they entered into a commercial agreement, leading to a successful pilot project in December 2022. The project involved 1,000 Indian candidates across six benchmarked occupations, including welding, electrician, plumbing, HVAC, automotive electrician, and automotive mechanic.
MSDE certifies 98 Trainers in the cluster-based ToT project
MSDE partnered with Automotive Sector Development Council (ASDC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-Integrated Vocational Education and Training (IGVET), and Maharashtra State Skill Development Mission (MSSDS) for a cluster-based Training of Trainers (ToT) project. The project aimed to create a pool of highly skilled trainers and concluded with a convocation ceremony certifying 98 trainers in Pune. Developed as part of the National component of Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP), the trainers received dual certification from ASDC and IGCC (Indo-German Chamber of Commerce). The ToT program covered trades such as Advanced Welding, CNC operations, Robotics, Quality Control, and Advanced Automotive Technology.
In collaboration with Sukhakarta General Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd. (SGECPL), the ToT program in Pune trained 189 trainers across eight batches. It upgraded technical and pedagogical skills, bridging the skills gap and enhancing the public-private partnership in TVET.
The ToT model piloted in Aurangabad trained 75 trainers in,
- Advanced Welding
- CNC operations
- Robotics
Currently, the project is implemented in Pune, an automotive cluster supporting numerous auto OEMs in India. ToT programs prioritize trainer training as a crucial aspect of the Skill India mission, building a competent workforce and multiplying the impact of skill development initiatives.
AjnaLens partners with NSDC to foster careers in AR/VR/XR
In a strategic partnership, AjnaLens joins forces with NSDC to launch the Ajna Creator Program. It aims to equip young individuals with the necessary skills to kick-start their careers in emerging technologies like Augmented reality (AR)/ Virtual reality (VR), / Extended reality (XR). With the industry experiencing rapid growth and high demand for skilled professionals, this partnership offers a timely opportunity for youth to secure well-paying jobs nationally and internationally.
This program provides hands-on training on various aspects of the XR ecosystem, such as
- 3D Models & Environments
- Virtual Avatars
- Simulations
- Digital Twin and more
Over 500 students have enrolled in the training program, with graduates receiving job offers from industry players. Participants gain exclusive access to AjnaXR, India’s first True Mixed Reality Glasses, renowned for its innovative design, recently showcased at CES 2023. AjnaLens has created a talent platform for XR in India, listing emerging jobs and freelancing opportunities. With almost 70 hiring partners, students are offered immediate employment post-program completion. After completing the training program, the students will receive a Certificate from NSDC.
Skill India celebrates the launch of the New Parliament Building
Skill India celebrates the training of 910 skilled carpenters who played a vital role in constructing the state-of-the-art parliament building, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This achievement highlights the success of Skill India, with these individuals benefiting from transformative training under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
The Furniture and Fitting Skill Council (FFSC), in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the NARSI Group, provided comprehensive training to carpenters, fostering a skilled workforce for modern infrastructure projects. RPL training improved their skills and uplifted their livelihoods, contributing to nation-building. The success story of creating world-class infrastructure for the new Parliament exemplifies the remarkable impact of RPL training and inspires future endeavours.
The new Parliament, completed in 29 months, spans 9.5 acres and stands four storeys tall, overcoming challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. RPL under PMKVY enables individuals with a prior learning experience to obtain industry-relevant skill certification, improving their livelihoods. FFSC’s initiatives, like Meri Skill Meri Pehchan and the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS), aim to enhance employability and create opportunities for carpenters in diverse trades, supporting India’s economic growth.
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