AP Industries to Launch State-of-the-Art Skill Development Infrastructure

The Andhra Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, and the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), are set to revolutionize skill development and training institutions in the state. Playing a pivotal role in creating a high-quality skilled workforce, APSSDC aligns with the state's comprehensive development plan.

In a strategic move in Visakhapatnam, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is slated to launch a Rs. 100 crore initiative aimed at upgrading skill development and training institutes across the state. The ceremony will also witness individuals trained in various fields receiving employment offer letters. The project includes the signing of memorandums of understanding with major industries such as KIA Motors, L&T, JSW, Samsung, UltraTech, Schneider Electric, Hyundai Steel, and Johnson Lifts and Escalators, all playing crucial roles in the state's skill development efforts.

Highlighting the significance of skill development, Shri Buganna Rajendranath, the Hon’ Skills Development & Training Minister, GoAP, stated, "Skill development is the cornerstone for unlocking the inherent potential of our youth. The AP Skill Development Event demonstrates our constant commitment to providing high-quality training programs that empower individuals and catalyze economic growth in our state. By investing in the skills of our workers, we are not just molding careers but also laying the groundwork for a wealthy and competitive Andhra Pradesh. We hope that by launching this program, we will be able to produce a workforce that can match the changing demands of the sector, promoting progress and prosperity for our people and the state as a whole."

The Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) actively participates in modernizing state government institutions to align with the latest technological advancements. Collaborating with renowned industries, this initiative focuses on enhancing the in-house infrastructure and human resources of ITIs, Polytechnic Colleges, Skill Colleges, and NAC Centres. The key objectives include modernizing 227 government institutions, improving course content to match industry standards, creating in-demand courses, and increasing partnerships with industries for Training of Trainers (TOT). The initiative integrates companies into the education ecosystem to develop an industry-ready workforce, rebranding institutions as “industry-cum-training centers.” Key components include skill gap analysis, infrastructure setup, curriculum development, and industry partnerships. Phase I progress includes modernizing 188 institutions, 203 industry tie-ups, and MOUs with 144 industries.

Shri Buganna Rajendranath, also the Finance Minister of Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the economic impact of the initiative, stating, "Investing in skill development is an investment in the future of Andhra Pradesh. The AP Skill Development is a strategic step to match our workforce with the changing demands of the industry, generating economic growth and prosperity for the state."

Smt. B. Navya, I.A.S., Director, Employment & Training, Govt. of AP, further expressed, "With a history of pioneering skills development, our investment in modernization echoes our dedication to empowering the workforce. The evolution of our institutes into industry-cum-training centers, coupled with strategic collaborations with major industries, represents our vision for fostering a skilled workforce aligned with the demands of a dynamic economy."

As of September 2023, Andhra Pradesh has been at the forefront of leading endeavors in skills development, imparting diverse work and self-employment skills to individuals. Over the past four years, substantial investment has yielded significant employment opportunities for trainees, underscoring the state's commitment to cultivating a proficient and competitive workforce for the years ahead.