SRINAGAR: In order to promote apprenticeship training and create awareness among Youth/Establishments about the Apprenticeship Scheme, the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, J&K, Ladakh, H.P, in collaboration with Directorate of Skill Development J&K organized a daylong “National Apprenticeship Awareness Workshop” here on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner (DC)Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
While, Regional Director/Regional Central Apprenticeship Advisor, J&K and Ladakh, S. Santhimanalan, Director, Apprenticeship, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, General Manager DIC, Hamida Akhtar, Joint Director Skill Development, Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Principal ITI, Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, Anisa Parvaiz, Principal ITI, Bemina, Bilal Wani MGN Fellow Syed Jasirah and other concerned were present in the National Apprenticeship Awareness Workshop.
Addressing the workshop, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, said that such workshops are aimed to create awareness amongst establishments on apprenticeship training and benefits under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
The DC hailed the efforts of the organizers for conducting the workshop in Srinagar District and stressed on conducting more such orientation programs to encourage skilling to meet the requirement of a qualified workforce for Industry.
Emphasizing on creating data and IT-based skills, the DC said that the present era is the age of Information Technology, and IT-related interventions must be incorporated and adapted in Skill Development training in ITIs and Polytechnics so that trainees/pass outs become job creators rather than job seekers. He stressed that Apprenticeship Programs need to be remodeled to meet the needs of the time and Skills rather than just having Degrees will ensure a quality workforce for the same.
The DC emphasized on youth to update and upgrade themselves with a knowledge base and acquire modern skill sets coupled with present market technological trends. He said that after the IT revolution, a global scenario has emerged that demands skilled human resources to meet the day-to-day market requirements and youth must adopt an enhanced skill set.
The DC further said that J&K especially Kashmir and Srinagar have a huge diversity of arts, and crafts that can be learnt and preserved using Artificial Intelligence IOT, Big Data. He said this will also ensure quality products as well as help the Producers to reach markets beyond geographical limitations.
The DC also urged upon the youth to actively join Apprenticeship Programs which will help them to gain knowledge and tools needed on the ground and will ensure Industry gains a trained workforce. He assured continuous support and monitoring to make it a success.
In his concluding remarks, the DC congratulated the Regional Director and the team for their efforts in promoting the Apprenticeship Programs.
During his speech, the DC also made a mention of the Prime Minister’s focus on skill development programmes and said that motivation keeps us guided to involve youth in skill development training in an effective and efficient manner.
Earlier, Director/Regional Central Apprenticeship Advisor, J&K, and Ladakh highlighted the benefits of apprenticeship schemes and opportunities by the Government of India. The workshop, he said, focused on the registration of establishments in the J&K and asked the representatives of Industries to accommodate ITI pass-outs/trainees under the Apprenticeship Act. He appreciated the efforts for organizing District level workshops for the benefit of youths of the district through the Apprenticeship Scheme.
Assistant Director, BOAT (Northern Region) apprised about the achievements in the Apprentice Scheme. He advised establishments to register themselves on the Apprenticeship portal to avail the benefits of this Nation Apprenticeship Scheme and thanked the establishment for their support in providing opportunities to the candidates.
Later, Assistant Apprenticeship Advisor, Govt. ITI Handwara, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, briefed about the Apprenticeship scheme with a PowerPoint presentation during the event and also highlighted the recent updation in the Apprentice Scheme. He briefed the stakeholders about the benefits of the scheme and requested to engage Apprentice trainees from remote areas to address the issue of unemployment.
The Mahatma Gandhi fellows of Srinagar and Anantnag both were present and informed the group that they have met the Industrial Estate Presidents in their respective Districts for the promotion of apprentices in different industries. In this regard, a report for the same has also been sent to Principal Secretary, Skill Development, J&K last year.
Deputy Director/Deputy Central Apprenticeship Advisor, RDSDE, Jammu V.K.Saksena presented the vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, staff, media persons, and other stakeholders for organizing the event for a better tomorrow with good skills.
