CED eyes more sectors for skilled manpower training

Having begun skilled manpower training through 'anchor institutes' in some of the major cities, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) is now looking for more such opportunities.

The centre had roped in the likes of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) in Surat, and Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT) in Nadiad as 'anchor institutes' to provide training in specific sectors.

"While we have already trained around 5,000 personnel in sectors like chemical, textile, engineering and auto, agri and food processing, infrastructure, and gems and jewellery, we are now looking at more specific sectors like marine engineering and others. For this, we are scouting more such educational institutes for tie-ups," said Chandan Chatterjee, director at Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.

As part of the strategy to promote ready skilled manpower, a high level empowered committee has been established under the chairmanship of the industries commissioner, government of Gujarat consisting of Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Directorate of Employment Training (DET) and Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED).

Moreover, the government has appointed IIT Bombay as an advisor to coordinate and monitor the activities at these anchor institutes as well as assist in preparing a curriculum for need based short term courses.

The state government has tied up with eight identified 'anchor institutes' like MS U, Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), SVNIT, DDIT and other existing engineering colleges, polytechnics and Industrial Technical Institutes (ITIs).

The anchor institutes have been focus on providing training in sectors like chemical, textile, engineering and auto, agri and food processing, infrastructure, gems and jewellery and others.

However, now CED intends to expand its reach by providing training in more sectors. "The objective behind the initiative is to minimise dependence on outside manpower, by providing need based, short term courses at these centres. The centres have been set up in the respective anchor institutes in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode," said Chatterjee.

Under the PPP mode the corporates can sponsor purchase of necessary machineries and equipment while the infrastructure will be provided by the government.

Corporates will also be allowed to provide certificates jointly with the government.

"Many companies have shown interest in the skill development scheme. The objective is to provide right skilled manpower to the industries in the state. This scheme will benefit the locals, who remain unemployed while industry hires people from other states. The anchor institutes have highly specialised people to train the people in a way to absorb them as soon as they get trained. It is also a brand building exercise for the corporates who will issue joint certificates alongwith CED," said Chatterjee.