Mumbai: In a landmark initiative organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inaugurate a cutting-edge skill centre in Kandivali, Mumbai.

The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today, marking a significant boost to Mumbai’s skilling landscape.

In his address, Piyush Goyal highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This skill development centre is dedicated to our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, whose vision for a skilled and self-reliant India continues to inspire us. Within just six days of its launch, the centre has already facilitated employment for 700 individuals, showcasing its immediate impact and the potential it holds. Over the coming year, it is anticipated to create job opportunities for 1 lakh candidates across various sectors.”

The Union Minister emphasised the centre's role in addressing the growing demand for skilled labour, asserting that it will equip young people with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market. “By fostering partnerships between industry leaders and training programmes, this centre bridges the gap between education and real-world employment, symbolising our commitment to uplifting youth and empowering them to thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

Maharashtra’s Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, praised the swift completion of the centre, noting, “We have established this facility within just 44 days, a tremendous achievement that will provide opportunities to thousands in and around Mumbai. This state-of-the-art centre will attract individuals from across the country, demonstrating the power of effective leadership.”

Ajay Kumar Raina, Executive Vice President of NSDC, underscored the significance of this collaboration: “Today marks a pivotal milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global skills capital, as envisioned by our Prime Minister. This partnership between NSDC, BMC, and CII reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of India by aligning opportunities with professional aspirations and broader economic goals.”

The newly established vocational training institute at Akurli Village, Kandivali East, features a modern G+5 building with a built-up area of 3440.68 sq.m. Initially, the centre will offer five specialised short-term courses in high-demand sectors, including fashion technology, AC and refrigeration, gaming and animation, quick service restaurants, and data and cyber security. The centre is poised to adapt its course offerings based on industry feedback and evolving workforce needs.

A key highlight of this initiative is its commitment to employment outcomes, with industry partners such as CII, NASSCOM, and various sector skill councils delivering training at nominal costs. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has equipped the facility with advanced labs and has committed to ensuring at least 75% employment for successful candidates post-training. The event also witnessed the distribution of offer letters to 20 candidates, representing the first batch of 500 beneficiaries.

Operating under the guidance of CII's Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood and the CII Green Business Centre, the centre will maintain high standards of training relevance. NSDC will provide bi-annual reports to BMC to track training completion and employment rates, managing all operational aspects to ensure a world-class learning environment.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating a skilled workforce, empowering India's youth, and contributing to national growth and global competitiveness.

BI Bureau

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