Siemens, BMZ, and MSDE launch IGnITE to promote industry relevant technical education

Siemens Limited, together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH with the support of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India (MSDE) launched technical education initiative ‘IGnITE’. Indo-German Initiative for Technical Education (IGnITE) is an initiative aimed at promoting industry relevant high-quality training and technical education. 

IGnITE is implemented as a development partnership of the develoPPP.de programme, which the GIZ implements on behalf of the BMZ. The focus areas under the initiative would be upskilling of instructors of Government Industrial Training Institutes, improving pedagogy, in-plant training for hands-on learning, continuous industry interface to enhanced employability. IGnITE would also look to develop curriculum for ‘Green Skills’ in innovative, sustainable sectors and technologies such as renewable energy, e-mobility and energy-efficiency.

‘IGnITE’ aims at developing highly qualified technicians based on the German Dual Vocational Educational Training (DVET) model with a focus to make them industry and future ready. ‘IGnITE’ aims to help develop around 40,000 skilled workforce by 2024.

Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Limited, said, “The availability of trained and industry relevant  technical talent is an imperative ingredient for India’s growth story. This is where ‘IGnITE’ aims to bring in a systemic change in India’s skilling environment. We are confident that this program will support Industry’s urgent need for a workforce trained in the latest technologies relevant to support India’s vision of being a global Manufacturing leader.”

Kathinka Kurz, Head of Programme, develoPPP.de, said, “At develoPPP.de, we foster the involvement of the private sector in areas where business opportunities and development policy initiatives overlap. We see the IGnITE initiative as a great example of such a win-win situation. The close cooperation between the public vocational education system and the private sector is essential for improving the qualification and employability of young people in India. Combining our resources and expertise with a global corporation like Siemens and with a multitude of Indian MSME as the backbone of the local economy and the support of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, I am confident that our joint initiative will have a sustainable and noticeable impact on the Indian vocational education system.”

Siemens in India has various ongoing initiatives in the area of skill development, focusing on creating industry ready workforce targeting trainees of Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and students of Government Engineering Colleges. The initiatives include Siemens Technical Academy and Dual VET at Government ITIs, Siemens Scholarship program and Centres of Excellence.

Also read: Siemens launches ‘Sitrain access’: A new digital learning platform for industry https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/siemens-launches-sitrain-access-digital-learning-platform/