NSDC to launch 50 new future skills centres, 10 international academies

During his address at the Annual Press Conference, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, shared his roadmap to skill and upskill the Indian youth for domestic and global job markets.

He said, "The number of industry-aligned programs will increase beyond 300, covering 12 major emerging technologies. The goal is to train over 2 lakh candidates and establish over 2.70 lakh square feet of training infrastructure, further strengthening employability and workforce readiness."

"The industry-aligned programs aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by aligning education with emerging technologies and industry needs. So far, 33 global corporations have partnered, and 21 Future Skills Centres have been established in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Over 200 industry-aligned programs have been assessed and certified by corporations, covering 9 major emerging technologies. More than 27,000 candidates have been trained, with over 1.20 lakh square feet of training space developed." He added

He further added that NSDC aims to make quality education accessible to students from tier 2 and 3 colleges by addressing challenges in emerging technologies through collaborations with Institutes of National Importance. So far, 11 premium institutions have partnered to launch 17 micro-credential programs, awarding more than 75,000 credits and training over 5,000 candidates.

Looking forward, NSDC plans to collaborate with 15 premium institutions, introduce over 30 micro-credential programs, and award around 1,80,000 credits, further enhancing access to quality education and skill development. Students will receive specialized training in emerging technologies across key industry verticals such as aerospace, automotive, mining, and infrastructure. The OEMs' tools and curriculum will be integrated into structured guided pathways, supporting different proficiency levels and leading to job opportunities across various domains.

As part of the Job-as-Skills model, Tiwari said, "There are plans to onboard 1 million students, establish MoUs with leading OEMs, bring in training partners, select industry-specific tools, design career progression pathways, implement joint certification with NSDC and OEMs, and introduce new industry verticals in a phased manner."

Talking about international mobility, he said that the institution is working towards setting up new international language labs and assessment centres, offering training in Russian, Italian, Korean, and French to equip candidates with multilingual capabilities, enhancing their global employability. Outlining a strategic roadmap for the future, focusing on expanding global employment opportunities and skill development initiatives, he said, "Israel has requested 5000 healthcare workers."

Additionally, NSDC International is extending its advisory services across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Africa, ensuring that workforce development programs are effectively implemented in these regions. Germany and Japan have also shown a consistent demand for healthcare workers, reinforcing the need for continuous training and deployment to meet their workforce requirements.

Since its establishment in October 2021, NSDC International has made a significant impact on workforce development and global employment. It has successfully aggregated 88,924 overseas jobs across 22 countries, providing employment opportunities for skilled professionals in various sectors. Additionally, over 64000 candidates have been deployed across multiple countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Japan, and the United Kingdom, through the NSDC International ecosystem. The organization has facilitated training and job placements across 19 industries, focusing on key sectors such as construction, Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP), and facility management. A total of 13,631 trainees have undergone training in NSDC International Centres across India, further strengthening the country's skilled workforce.

Talking about creating digital infrastructure, Ved Mani Tiwari highlighted that youth living in remote areas of the country are skilling and upskilling themselves through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). SIDH has made a significant impact, reaching 1.30 crore candidates, including 92 lakh short-term trained candidates, 86 lakh certified candidates, and 13 lakh apprentices. The platform supports more than 7,100 courses in 23 Indian languages, with over 10 lakh active users and around 42,000 skilling and training centres, reinforcing its role in convergence, integration, skilling ecosystem development, partnerships, recognition, and measurable outcomes.

The platform collaborates with 57 digital learning partners, offering 1,245 courses.

He also talked about NSDC JobX which is an advanced job platform that connects job seekers and employers by simplifying hiring and offering premium services like resume building, career coaching, and job alerts. (ANI)