Training of Trainers (ToT) program at L&T Skill Trainers Academy

L&T Skill Trainers Academy, launched by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with a vision to develop high-quality trainers to work in the skilling ecosystem, aims to create world-class trainers and teaching faculty who can lead the way to make India the skill capital of the world.

To learn more about the training of trainers at the L&T Skill Trainers Academy, the focus areas of training in various domains, customization of the training program, and more, we spoke with Mr. K. Ramakrishnan, Chief Executive – Skill Development Mission, L&T.

Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

About L&T Skill Trainers Academy

“In November 2018, Mr. A. M. Naik took over as chairman of the NDC. He invited me and a few other co-workers to help him in that role. Mr. A. M. Naik mentioned that this nation’s skilling ecosystems need more highly skilled trainers. He advised and inspired us to establish the L&T Skill Trainers Academy at Madh in Mumbai so that we could do something to close that gap.

We utilised Mr. A. M. Naik’s direction and vision to help develop the entire campus, the academy, and the hostel facilities. The goal was to train the trainers, and we thought there needed to be more inputs associated with trainer training.

Roughly 50 to 60 years ago, the present academy was a factory for manufacturing drilling equipment. Then later, it was converted into a switchgear manufacturing factory. Then, we converted a portion of this factory into a technical training centre for our in-house engineers. Additionally, we converted the L&T Skill Trainers Academy and the hostel out of two and three unused sheds,” Mr. K. Ramakrishnan said while sharing the background to establishing the L&T Skill Trainers Academy.

Holistic training of trainers at the L&T Skill Trainers Academy 

While asked about the vision and key focus areas for the Academy, he elaborated, “Aside from the platform skills covered in the Singapore Polytechnic International curriculum, we also realised that the training must be holistic. We also included soft skills, life skills, and domain skills. People who attend these programs stay on campus, so they begin their day with yoga at six in the morning, then attend platform skills or domain skills classes in the classroom from nine to five. In the evening, we offer activities like team building and communication that fall under the soft and life skills category of trainers’ skilling requirements.”

Customization of the training program for trainers

While discussing the customization of the training program for trainers based on the specific requirements, Mr. K. Ramakrishnan said, “Our initial focus was on the various training partners and training centres from which the trainers would come through the relevant industry skills councils. And this program is designed to be a 10-day program.

We approached the Maharashtra government’s Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), and they recognised the importance of what we were offering. Consequently, we designed a five-day program for them. After receiving a request from the government of Madhya Pradesh, we created a 15-day training program for them. The Maharashtra government has received feedback that the participants feel the five days need more. They have been requesting more time because they believe the program has much to offer. We will ideally have an eight-day program for the Maharashtra DVET in the coming months.”

Mr. K. Ramakrishnan added, “We customise the training program following the needs of the government and the availability of trainers from government departments.” He stated that completing this training requires a minimum of 10 to 15 days.

Focus areas of training at the L&T Skill Trainers Academy 

The focus areas of the training program at the L&T Skill Trainers Academy cover the following sectors:

• Manufacturing
• IT
• Construction
• Electronics

“We have also offered training for Cosmetology trainers and collaborated with beauty parlours in Mumbai to provide domain training,” said Mr. K. Ramakrishnan.

Related article: Why skill-based training should be integral to the competitive strategy of any enterprise https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/why-skill-based-training-should-be-integral-to-the-competitive-strategy-of-any-enterprise/

Opportunities to partner with L&T Skill Trainers Academy

“We have already begun discussions with a few organisations. Also, we are willing to develop a customised curriculum that will meet the needs of that specific training institute, whether it is a school, an ITI, or a private training centre,” Mr. K. Ramakrishnan mentioned while emphasising their goal to make training of trainers a successful endeavour.

To learn more about the L&T Skills Training Academy and its programs, please visit www.larsentoubro.com/skilltrainersacademy.