RSDC, Hindustan University tie-up for Skilling in Rubber

Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC), the sector skill council for Rubber sector in India, has joined hands with Hindustan University, Chennai for imparting programmes in Rubber Technology.

The RSDC has been set up by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) and the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is focussed on skill development and training needs of the rubber sector.

The purpose of the collaboration is to impart education for rubber sector, rubber skills training and programmes in rubber technology and polymer science to meet the growing demand for rubber industry professionals in the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was exchanged between Mr. Vinod Simon, Chairman RSDC and Dr. Pon Ramalingam, Registrar Hindustan University Chennai in the presence of Hindustan University management represented by Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese and Mr. Ashok Verghese, Dr. S. Ramachandran - Vice Chancellor, Dr. V. Ravi Kumar - HOD Chemical and Mr. Milton Gerard Huggins - Head Training, Hindustan University.

"The collaboration between RSDC and Hindustan University represents an important step in advancement of rubber education in the country. It will help impart education in rubber technology courses in accordance with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and help meet the demand for certified manpower by the industry", said Mr. Simon.

"The courses and programmes aligned to the cutting edge curricula developed by RSDC would enhance the employability of students of Hindustan University by equipping them with industry/ business relevant skills", said Mr. Ashok Verghese.

The MoU also provides for certification and assessment support to the University by RSDC. The university will organize internships and industry placements for students in consultation with RSDC.

On its part, RSDC will facilitate training of trainers and help in provisioning of Master Trainers from the industry as required. RSDC will also ensure quality of training delivery by adopting a stringent process for accreditation of training providers and assessment and certification of trainees.

Rubber industry is manpower intensive and currently two million people are directly employed in the industry, a large percentage of which are unskilled. The industry is dominated by small & medium sector as out of approx. 6000 Rubber products manufacturing units, 90% are Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Rubber industry fits in perfectly with the Government's initiatives of Make in India and Skill India as rubber units spread across the country manufacture around 35000 different rubber products which find usage in Auto, defence, healthcare, agriculture and in various other critical sectors.