Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on skill development and education – 18th March 2025

Skill development in India continues to evolve with impactful government initiatives and industry collaborations. From the expansion of vocational education in Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh to strategic partnerships like NSDC’s collaboration with Tata Power and AIU, the landscape is being shaped by policies and industry-driven training. Meanwhile, major CSR programs, including Mahindra’s WE Hunnar and Flipkart Foundation’s initiative for women, are fostering inclusive growth. As PMKVY 4.0 gains momentum and apprenticeship opportunities expand, this week’s Newsbytes from NSN highlight a strong push towards skill-based education and workforce readiness across sectors.

Also explore the latest advancements in skill development, from government policies and industry-driven skilling to key updates from NEP 2020, UGC, and NCVET. Stay informed on how these initiatives are shaping the future of education and employment in India.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes,

This week’s highlights in skill education 

ASDC Invites RFP for National Automobile Olympiad

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is inviting proposals  for the National Automobile Olympiad from partners to collaborate in enhancing trainee assessment in the automotive sector. Eligible providers must submit their RFP with necessary documents by March 25, 2025 (4:00 PM). Click here to know more details and apply!

Registrations open for CUET UG 2025

NTA has opened registrations for CUET UG 2025 at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates can apply until March 22 (11:50 pm), with fee payment due by March 23. The application correction window will be open from March 24 to March 26. The exam will be held from May 8 to June 1, 2025, in CBT mode.

EOI for Training Providers under Sikkim INSPIRES Program

The Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim, invites proposals from eligible training providers for the Sikkim INSPIRES Program, aimed at training women and youth in tourism & hospitality, beauty & wellness, IT/ITeS, creative design, green jobs, and child and elderly care. The program will be implemented in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 through private and government training providers. The last date to submit the proposal is March 19, 2025. Click here for more details and to submit your proposal!

Job openings at NCVET

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) invites applications for two Executive Member positions at NCVET. The last date to apply is March 28, 2025 (5:30 PM).

For more details and to apply, click here!

Opportunity for CEO Position at Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC)

The Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) is seeking a dynamic leader for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position to drive skill development in the leather industry. Interested candidates can apply by March 18, 2025, for more details and to apply, click here!

Skill development updates from the government

• To promote new skill sets through various fun-filled activities among its students and hands-on exposure in various trades, the government schools in Ranchi will host skill-based initiatives under the bagless day initiative.
• Odisha inaugurated India’s largest mining and infrastructure expo, the 3rd Odisha Mining and Infrastructure International Expo 2025, bringing industry leaders together in Bhubaneswar.
• Telangana’s Department of Employment and Training and Centre for Good Governance launched an industrial roundtable series on skill training, starting with BFSI, with six sessions covering key sectors from March 7 to 21.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with GIZ, released a study on enhancing women’s participation in India’s $380 billion logistics sector, aligning with the National Logistics Policy and women-led development goals.
• The government of Goa has announced that only experience certificates issued after completing apprenticeship or internship are valid for government jobs.
• Jammu and Kashmir Government is introducing vocational education in 1,350 schools across 15 trades, with plans to expand to 554 more schools under a centrally sponsored initiative.
• MSDE received ₹25 crore for capacity building under a North Eastern Region scheme, with PMKVY 4.0 continuing to enhance youth employability across India, including Assam.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Here are the latest apprenticeship opportunities for March 2025, including openings in power, railways, and science sectors. Don’t miss out—click the link to explore details and apply!

Click here to know more – https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/apprenticeships-internships/

Skill development updates on CSR, Industry

• Mahindra Last Mile Mobility expanded its Mahindra WE Hunnar initiative, training 245 women in driving, customer care, and EV maintenance, with licensing and financial support.
• Tata Power and NSDC have partnered to enhance workforce readiness in India’s power sector, with TPSDI providing industry-aligned training in green energy, transmission, and distribution skills.
• NSDC and AIU have partnered to integrate skill-based courses into higher education and establish a technology-driven system for academic credential verification across India.
• The Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with Microsoft to enhance AI and advanced technology skills among secondary school students and youth for industry readiness.
• Indian Hotels Company Ltd and Hindustan Unilever Ltd have partnered with Head Held High Foundation to launch a skill-building program for youth empowerment.
• NTPC Limited will invest Rs 96,000 crore in Chhattisgarh for nuclear, hydro, and renewable energy projects, boosting clean energy and economic growth.
• Flipkart Foundation and Vipla Foundation have launched a skill development initiative in Pune to empower women with employability skills, fostering economic independence and reducing vulnerability to gender-based violence.
• BASF, in collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra, Seva Sahayog Foundation, and Don Bosco ITI, launched the ‘Women in Refinish’ CSR program to train underprivileged women in industrial painting and refinish coatings.

To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/

Skilling and upskilling in academia and emerging technologies

• National Mineral Development Corporation, in partnership with CIPET, is providing free skill development training for 500 youth in Dantewada and Bastar, fully funding their course fees to boost employment opportunities.
• From the new academic session, vocational education will be introduced in 700 more government higher secondary schools in Madhya Pradesh under NEP 2020 to promote job-oriented modern skills.
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Papum Pare, held career counselling sessions under the PMSHRI scheme in Arunachal Pradesh, guiding girls on diverse career opportunities.
• Mr. Balleda Sankara Rao set a record by serving as a Vocational Training Instructor at Zilla Parishad High School, Borivanka, for 39 years, 2 months, and 5 days.
• IIT Madras has partnered with industry leaders and HEIs to launch employability-oriented courses on SWAYAM Plus, enrolling 2,500 learners in the first phase and aiming for 10,000 students.
• Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), unveiled the 2025-26 Annual Training Schedule, emphasizing global tech alignment and nationwide faculty participation for engineering skill development.
• The Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Skill Development, by Medhavi Skills University and Helping Hands NGO, held its first convocation in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, empowering Northeast youth with vocational skills.
• Centurion University launched a Zimbabwe Government-sponsored training program for officials, strengthening South-South collaboration in skill development.