Year in Review 2025 – Part 3 highlights the people behind the progress in India’s skilling and education ecosystem. While policies, programs, and institutions create the framework for transformation, it is practitioners, educators, industry leaders, and ecosystem enablers who translate vision into real-world impact.
Throughout 2025, National Skills Network engaged with a diverse group of changemakers through video conversations, panel discussions, webinars, and special dialogues. Their insights brought depth to critical conversations on employability, inclusion, workforce transitions, industry alignment, and the future of work. This part brings together a curated recap of those voices; capturing lived experiences, sector-specific insights, and leadership perspectives shaping India’s evolving skills landscape.
Click here to read Year in Review 2025 – Part 1
Industry Perspectives and Workforce Trends
Developing Skills and Building Careers on Cruise Ships
In this conversation, Mr. Douglas Pimenta, Head of Recruitment, Carnival Support Services India Pvt Ltd, discusses the rapid global growth of the cruise industry and the expanding employment opportunities it offers. He highlights high-demand job roles, the skills and attributes required to succeed in cruise careers, and how structured training and upskilling can prepare India’s youth for international workforce participation. Watch here!
Shaping the Future of Hospitality with In-Demand Skills
Mr. Praveen Roy, Advisor, CII, shares insights on how industry-aligned training, global exposure, and innovative partnerships are transforming hospitality education. The discussion explores the collaboration between CII Institute of Hospitality and EHL Switzerland, the role of experiential learning, and how these initiatives equip learners for leadership roles in India and abroad. Watch here!
Aligning Skills, Education, and Industry Needs in the BFSI Sector
In this conversation, Mr. Ambarish Datta, Founder and CEO, Talent Skillsvarisity, examines how technology, automation, and regulatory shifts are redefining BFSI job roles. He emphasizes the importance of industry-integrated curricula, short-term certifications, and skill-first degree pathways to ensure job readiness and career progression. Watch here!
State, University, and Institutional Skill Ecosystems
Technical Training and the ITI Ecosystem in West Bengal
Mr. Bappaditya Haldar, Director of Industrial Training, Government of West Bengal, discusses the state’s approach to strengthening ITIs through PPP models, infrastructure upgrades, and industry collaboration. The conversation also highlights initiatives to attract girls into technical education and align training with emerging technology needs. Watch here!
Skill Development at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU)
Dr. Sandhya R. Anvekar, Director, VTU Skill Development Centre, shares how VTU integrates skilling with academic learning through Skill Development Centres and Centres of Excellence. The discussion focuses on curriculum innovation, internships, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning for engineering students. Watch here!
Open and Distance Learning (ODL): Skill-Based Courses at WBNSOU
In this interaction, Dr. Papiya Upadhyay, Netaji Subhas Open University, explores the role of ODL in expanding access to skill-based higher education. The discussion covers NEP 2020 alignment, work-integrated learning, and practical guidance for learners pursuing flexible education pathways. Watch here!
Skilling Youth for a Better Future: An NTTF Trainer’s Journey
Mr. Avinash S, CNC Training Officer at NTTF, reflects on his journey as a trainer and the impact of hands-on, project-based learning. He shares insights on motivating trainees, innovative teaching methods, and his experience working on large-scale skilling initiatives. Watch here!
NTTF’s GET and DET Programs: Training Prospective Faculty
This panel discussion brings together NTTF faculty and alumni to explore how the GET and DET programs prepare future educators. The conversation highlights syllabus design, on-the-job training, real-time projects, and the transition from engineering professionals to skilled trainers. Watch here!
NTTF at WorldSkills: Preparing India’s Youth for WorldSkills 2026
NTTF faculty members discuss the significance of global skill competitions and India’s preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The session highlights mentoring strategies, training intensity, and how international platforms elevate vocational excellence and career opportunities. Watch here!
66 Years of NTTF: Nation Building Through Industry-Ready Talent
Mr. Ravi Tennety, Managing Director, NTTF, reflects on NTTF’s legacy in technical education and its vision for the future. The conversation covers emerging technologies, faculty development, inclusion, and NTTF’s role in building globally competitive talent. Watch here!
Click here to read Year in Review – Part 2!
Sector-Focused Skill Dialogues
India’s Textile Industry: Skills, Education, and Emerging Job Roles
Dr. Swapna Mishra, CEO, Textile Sector Skill Council, discusses the evolving landscape of textiles, apparel, and handlooms. The conversation highlights sustainable practices, new job roles, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the role of skilling in traditional and technical textiles. Watch here!
Electronics Industry: Skills, Education, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship
This panel discussion examines emerging electronics sub-sectors, semiconductor opportunities, and workforce requirements. Industry experts discuss skill gaps, education pathways, and initiatives shaping India’s electronics talent pipeline. Watch here!
Design Skills and Careers in the Creative Economy
In conversation with Mr. Philip Thomas, Country Head, World Design Council, this session explores the growing role of design and creativity in economic development. The discussion emphasizes ethical technology use, design thinking in education, and sustainable creative careers. Watch here!
Industry-Driven Training in Beauty and Wellness
Mr. C. K. Kumaravel, Co-founder and CEO, Naturals Salon & Spa, shares how structured training and entrepreneurship models are shaping careers in beauty and wellness. The conversation highlights women’s participation, franchise-led skilling, and hands-on learning.Watch here!
IVETA’s Role in Strengthening Global TVET and Skill Development
In this conversation, Mr. Serumu Igberadja, President of International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA), spoke with Dr. Madhuri Dubey on the evolving role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in addressing global workforce needs. He highlighted the importance of aligning TVET systems with national priorities and global labour market demands.
The discussion also focused on advancing gender equality across industries, strengthening international collaboration, and IVETA’s efforts to build global partnerships that improve TVET quality, relevance, and employment outcomes worldwide. Watch here!
Ecosystem Dialogues and Flagship Skill Events
World Youth Skills Day 2025: A Journey of Skills and Aspirations
This special panel discussion highlighted the Naveen AVSAR initiative and how ITI modernisation and partnerships can unlock global career pathways for youth. Leaders from industry, education, and training shared perspectives on aspirational skilling. Watch here!
Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025: Karnataka’s Skill Vision for 2030
Conversations with Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, Chairman of the Karnataka Skill Development Authority and Mr. N. N. Rao, Technical Advisor, Karnataka Skill Development Authority, focused on Karnataka’s Skill Development Policy 2.0, inclusion, green skills, and work-integrated learning. These discussions outlined the state’s roadmap for a future-ready workforce. Watch here – Dr. E.V.Ramana Reddy!
DIDAC India and DIDAC Skills 2025: Driving Industry-Ready Education
This discussion highlighted Asia’s largest education and skills exhibition and its focus on hands-on learning, NEP 2020 integration, and emerging sectors such as EV, healthcare, green energy, and manufacturing. Watch here!
Leadership, Learning, and Lasting Impact
The changemakers featured in Year in Review 2025 – Part 3 reflect the collective strength and diversity of India’s skilling ecosystem. Their perspectives underscore a shared commitment to relevance, inclusion, and industry alignment; demonstrating how leadership at every level contributes to workforce transformation.
As India continues to navigate rapid technological change and evolving labour markets, these voices offer valuable insight into what works, what must evolve, and how skills can drive sustainable growth.
