New Delhi, January 2023.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) takes immense pride to join hands with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the aegis of Ministry of Defense for creating a robust apprenticeship training framework to address the need for skilled and future-ready workforce in the Central Public Sector Undertaking and Industries.

As part of the collaboration, more than 250 apprentices have been engaged in the BDL facility in Hyderabad where ‘Astra’ missile, the state-of-the-art air missileis being manufactured.At this facility, three out of five components of these missiles are being produced. The apprentices will be provided on-the-job training in different sections in the facility along with receiving exposure with other industries, enabling them to develop better expertise in the sector and become a part of the progressive job market entailing high capital trades like CNC operator and programmer, machinist, welder and turner.

A team from MSDE visited the facility recently and interacted with the apprentices who extended their gratitude towards Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for creating pathways for India’s youth to work at this world class facility, enhancing their capabilities and improving their career prospects.

Extending a token of appreciation to Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, Central Public Sector Undertakings and Industries are pivotal in accelerating the growth of the nation and play a significant role in generating employment prospects for the youth. The ministry is committed to increasing the number of apprentices by maximising their potential and has launched several initiatives to assist them in developing industry-relevant skills. It is my firm belief that by initiating such collaborations, we will be able to build credible pathways so that apprenticeship receives the respect that it deserves for hands-on learning and improving the employability of our youth. I congratulate the apprentices for getting trained by one of India's largest manufacturers in ammunitions and missile systems in the country, BDL, helping them expand opportunities in both- traditional and new-age skills.

The BDL is mandated for producing guided missile systems and allied equipment for the armed forces. They have taken a lead for the promotion of indigenous, sophisticated, and contemporary missiles through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDPL).