India’s first Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha was inaugurated by union education and skills minister, Dharmendra Pradhan on Feb 20. The Skill India Centre will equip a vast majority of the young populace with employable skills in demand-driven trades, creating industry-ready workforce, encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening the skilling ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stated that by spearheading the skill training programs in new-age job roles, we will upgrade the skills set of Amrit Peedhi in demand driven industries and we aim to empower over 1200 students through this centre. “The new-age and future skills are available at considerably higher cost in global markets and realizing this, we envision to democratize access to quality education and establish a level playing field for the aspiring youth. The introduction of low cost courses in the centre will empower large youth and make them the part of the evolving job market,” he added.
The initiative is designed to build the capabilities and knowledge of Yuva Shakti in trades that are high in demand such as Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS. The centre is equipped with best-in-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and modern facilities that will catalyse demand for formal skills and will serve as a catalyst in enabling youth to acquire the skills needed to succeed in the respective fields.
The SIC will play a pivotal role in designing curriculum along with industry experts which will be aligned with the changing industry needs, promote standardization, and create employment opportunities that meet the demand for skilled talent across industries. It
stands as a remarkable opportunity for youth that aims to leverage modern technologies, gain technology-driven learning experiences and explore potential career avenues with renowned organizations.
To ensure seamless implementation of the training ecosystem, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will designate a Centre Manager who will monitor the implementation of training programs, ensure adherence to quality standards, and overall functioning of the Center. This transformative step will open new avenues for individuals to pursue education, acquire new skills and employment linkages.
Following this event, the upcoming Skill India Centre in Odisha is scheduled to be inaugurated in Angul, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Talcher and Deogarh. By targeting the high economic growth sectors, each SIC in Odisha aims to address the specific skill needs of industries that have the potential to drive regional development and create sustainable employment opportunities.
