In line with the Indian Government’s digitalization agenda, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) on May 21 announced the launch of the Ericsson ITI Labs Project to equip 10,000 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students with industry-relevant skills on 5G infrastructure deployment and emerging telecom technologies.
The initiative aims to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among ITI students by providing hands-on training on the deployment and maintenance of 5G networks and allied infrastructure. As India accelerates its transition towards a 5G-enabled digital economy, there is a growing demand for a skilled telecom workforce. This collaboration between Ericsson and TSSC seeks to bridge the existing skill gap by aligning training programs with evolving industry requirements and equipping students with practical, job-ready competencies.
As part of the initiative, 10 state-of-the-art Ericsson ITI Labs will be established across India, with each lab serving a cluster of ITIs as a hub and spoke model. The project will cover approximately 100 ITIs and benefit around 100 students per institute. Students will undergo a 60-hour specialized training program focused on key telecom job roles including Telecom Rigger for 5G and legacy networks, 5G Active Network Installation Technician, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH/X) Installer, Wireless Technician, and 5G Infrastructure Technician.
To encourage greater participation of women in telecom and technology roles, at least 20 percent of the participating students enrolled will be women.
Lt Gen K H Gawas, CEO, Telecom Sector Skill Council marked the occasion stating “ As India advances towards a 5G-enabled digital future, the demand for skilled telecom professionals continues to grow. The Ericsson ITI Labs Project is a transformative initiative that aligns strongly with the vision of Skill India and India’s focus on building a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce. At TSSC, our focus is on empowering youth with industry-aligned skills that enhance employability and prepare them for emerging technology careers. The project will provide students with valuable hands-on exposure to next-generation telecom technologies, while also encouraging greater participation of women in telecom and technology roles.”
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, says “A highly skilled and future-ready workforce is required to support the strong digital infrastructure across the country. The Ericsson ITI Labs Project aims to equip young people with industry-relevant skills and practical exposure on next-generation telecom technologies, in order to create stronger employment opportunities and a sustainable talent pipeline for the sector. This initiative reflects Ericsson’s continued commitment to strengthening India’s digital ecosystem and supporting the country’s broader digital ambitions.”
Designed to go beyond conventional skilling, the Ericsson ITI Labs Project aims to create pathways for sustainable livelihoods by offering students real-world exposure to telecom infrastructure and emerging technologies
