Odisha, March, 2024.

Hon’ble Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated Skill India Centre (SIC) today in Angul that equips the Yuva Peedhi with employability and new-age skills and open their avenues for employment in domestic and global markets.

While speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan said that the inauguration of Skill India Centre in Angul marks a commendable initiative by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, reflecting a steadfast commitment to broadening the scope of skill development and educational infrastructure in the region. Our overarching vision is to extend our reach to remote communities, and the revitalization of public education institutions will particularly benefit underprivileged sections of society, empowering them to improve their livelihoods and access better employment opportunities”.

He further added, “Around1000 children will annually benefit from skill enhancement programs offered at the centre, thereby contributing to personal growth as well as the nation's economic development”.

The centre has the potential to become the futuristic hub by equipping a vast majority of the young populace with futuristic skills in trades that are in high demand and catalyse the entrepreneurship and skill development on a large scale. It will enable the youth to leverage modern technologies, provide hands-on experiences onnew-age technologies and facilitate career advancementthat aligns with the demands of the future of work and skill development.

The centre perfectly corresponds with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is about creating a flexible and dynamic education system that prepares students for the challenges of the real world. Odish's youth population is abundant with potential and by offering training on diverse job roles, the centre will play a pivotal role in nurturing their capabilities, fostering innovation and building a New India that resonates seamlessly with the aspirations and goals of the young talent.

By equipping students with skills precisely attuned to industry requirements, SICs will expedite skilled talent hiring, foster anindustry ready workforce and catalyseeconomic growth. The skilled workforcesimultaneouslystreamline operations and allow industries to adapt quickly to changing market demands, whichin turn, will enhance their overall productivity and efficiency.

By integrating academic knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, the centre stands as a testament to Government’s commitment to promoting technology-enabled development and driving a transformative impact across various sectors. It will impart training to a diverse range of ten courses including Story Board Artist, Graphic Designer, Stitchers – Goods and Garments, Cutter – Goods and Garments, Helper, Barista Executive, F&B Service Associate and IT Helpdesk Assistant.

Furthermore, these centres are poised to play an instrumental role in shaping education by actively engaging with industry experts to design curricula that evolve in tandem with changing industry needs. It promotes standardization,preserve  the rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts and generate employment opportunitiesthatmeets the demand for skilled talent across diverse industries.

The earlier launches in the districts of Deogarh, Sambalpur and Dhenkanal have been well accepted by the local youth. These concerted efforts aids in establishing the state as a hub for futuristic skills and instil confidence where youth will confidently pursue and succeed in lucrative career opportunities.

Additionally, NSDC's dual approach of offering specialized training programs and appointing a dedicated Centre Manager reinforces its commitment to providing high-quality education and skill development that aligns seamlessly with industry standards. The procurement of tools and lab equipmentensures that these resources are readily available that promotes inclusivity, foster practical learning and enhance learning process. As a part of the initiative, the Sector Skill Councils (SSC) will provide sector-specific expertise, identify skill gaps, design training programs and collaborate with industry partners to create a skilled workforce that meets the demand for talent across industries.