Noida: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, has announced a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at revolutionising India’s vocational training landscape and empowering its workforce. The announcement was made during a keynote address at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) - Women in Noida on August 13, 2024.

In partnership with Microsoft, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the AI Programming Assistant Program. This initiative expands Microsoft’s SkillSaksham Program for Digital Productivity and AI Skilling to 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) from the current academic session, targeting over 10,000 candidates. Additionally, the ‘AI Programming Assistant’ course will be introduced in 15 NSTIs starting from the 2024-25 academic session. The programme will provide students with 1,200 hours of AI-focused training and an additional 400 hours of advanced AI skills and virtual On-the-Job Training (OJT), facilitated by Microsoft.

Chaudhary remarked, "We are on the brink of a generational shift. Our partnership with Microsoft is not just a collaboration but a significant move to ensure that India’s vocational education system is at the forefront of technological advancement. By integrating AI into our training programmes, we are preparing our students to excel in an AI-driven future."

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, emphasised the company's commitment to equipping India’s youth with critical digital skills. "Our mission is AI for everyone. We aim to empower individuals and organisations across the country. With thousands of young minds already benefitting from our AI-focused skilling programmes, we are now focused on extending this impact to vocational education across India."

In addition to the AI training programme, the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) has signed four key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster skill development, digital commerce, and women’s entrepreneurship. These MoUs are with Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (MSSIDC), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Jamia Hamdard University, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

The NIESBUD-MSSIDC partnership will provide capacity-building training for women-owned MSMEs in Maharashtra, enhancing their competitiveness. The NIESBUD-GeM collaboration will establish an institutional mechanism to increase market access for NIESBUD trainees through GeM’s digital platform. The MoU with Jamia Hamdard University will promote entrepreneurial education and skills, while the collaboration with ONDC aims to support self-employment initiatives.

Chaudhary concluded, "These partnerships and initiatives are stepping stones towards building a more skilled, developed, and self-reliant India. As we embrace the digital future, MSDE’s efforts are setting the foundation for a workforce that is not just prepared for the future but poised to lead it." /BI