Centre ramps up skilling in high-tech sectors; unveils new courses

Ziraat Times News Network 

NEW DELHI — In a bid to equip the Indian workforce with future-ready skills, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced a significant expansion of training programs in the Electronics and Hardware sectors under the Skill India Mission (SIM).

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Jayant Chaudhary outlined the government’s strategy to deliver skill, re-skill, and up-skill training across the country through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS).

The Ministry highlighted a shift towards high-demand, technology-driven industries. Under the PMKVY, the government is collaborating with the Electronics Sector Skill Council and industry partners to offer short-term training and recognition of prior learning in cutting-edge fields.

Key job roles identified for training over the last five years include:

• Drone Technology: Drone Manufacturing and Assembly Technicians, and Service Technicians.

• Semiconductors & VLSI: VLSI Design Engineers and Semiconductor Technicians.

• IoT & Robotics: Embedded Full-Stack IoT Analysts, Robotics Automation Leads, and IoT Hardware Analysts.

• Green Energy: Solar Panel Installation Technicians and Battery System Design Engineers.

New specialized trades launched

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has developed 169 trades anchored in the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to cater to industry needs. The Minister specifically noted the introduction of nine courses in the ‘Electronics & Hardware’ sector, including recently developed specialized programs:

• Semiconductor Technician (2024): A one-year course for Class 12th graduates, designed to support India’s growing semiconductor mission (NSQF Level 4.5).

• Technician Electronics System Design and Repair (2023): A two-year program for Class 10th graduates (NSQF Level 4).

• Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester (2018): A six-month course for Class 10th graduates.

Industry alignment

Shri Chaudhary emphasized that courses are periodically updated with industry inputs to ensure the workforce remains employable. These programs are delivered through a vast network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), operating under the regulatory oversight of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).

The initiative aims to cover all sections of society, providing customized, industry-led skilling solutions to bridge the gap between supply and demand for skilled manpower in the hardware sector.