Skill courses can now be offered through distance learning mode after a MOU was signed between Directorate General of Training (DGT) under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) on Dec 7. This is also a step forward in integration between school education and skill development. Currently there are approx 15000 ITIs in the country with a seating capacity of approx. 24 lakhs and as this scheme rolls out, it is bound to cause a big transformation.
Through the MoU, several prospects will be introduced for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) pass-outs from regular course of Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) for horizontal and vertical mobility. The courses are also designed with a focus on enhancing the employability of these candidates. Further, students with one-year ITI course qualification can also go for one-year apprenticeship training under Apprentices Act, 1961. This provision opens pathways not only for ITI students but also for those undergoing apprenticeship training for a minimum of one-year duration. The learners will have to take one language from the group of languages offered by NIOS for their secondary course and senior secondary qualification.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship while commenting on this development said, “This is yet another initiative introduced with an aim to increase coordination between school education and skill development. By forging such partnerships and enabling systems for academic equivalence, our common goal remains to empower the youth of our nation. I believe that these courses will provide the right capabilities to our ITI candidates and apprentices in an efficient manner and prepare them with industry-ready skills. In my previous experience as the Director General of DGT, I witnessed competent changes in the ecosystem, giving impetus to skilling in ITIs and NSTIs. I once again congratulate DGT and NIOS on this collaboration.”
