Tamil Nadu has set a target to train about 25,000 individuals during the current fiscal under 'Amma skill employment and training scheme'.
The scheme was announced in the state's 2013-14 budget to meet demand for human resources in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited will be the nodal agency for implementing the scheme, sources said.
Last week, the corporation had called for a consultation meeting with various stakeholders, including the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), representatives from various MSME clusters to discuss the programme's architecture, target, methodology among others.
While Tamil Nadu produces 450,000 engineers annually, however, they lack basic training in required skill sets, said an official who attended the meeting. Filling the skill gap are the migrant workers from other states.
However, state government aims to reduce dependency on the migrant labour through the programme. Programmes under this would be run by MSMEs and the government will reimburse fee based on number of trainees.
During the meeting, it was learnt that NSDC had suggested to make the programme open to all, including Class X, XII and dropouts to expand the labour pool. Considering MSMEs need more willing and skilled workers, focus would be on training them on-site .
The corporation also suggested, apart from practical knowledge, theoretical knowledge is also important for them to grow and also benefit MSMEs in the long run.
NSDC has asked Tnsidco to use data from employment exchange to access labour supply and mobilise job seekers through fairs conducted in partnership with industry bodies like Ficci, CII among others.
The programme duration could be a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months. Upon completion, third-party assessment needs would be carried out by the relevant SSC.
As a first step, Tnsidco would identify sectors and geographic clusters for the pilot; specific job roles/descriptions need to be identified based on consultations with industries including auto, textiles, leather, suggested NSDC.
During the meeting, it was also suggested, a state -level steering group has to be formed with representation from MSME cluster associations, Tnsidco, NSDC and other stakeholders to ensure smooth functioning of the programme.
