On Tuesday, the government of Odisha formalized 15 agreements with key partners to enhance skills development, technical education, and job opportunities for the youth in the state. The focus is on sectors that are rapidly evolving, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, and green jobs.

The signing took place at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar, attended by Sampad Chandra Swain, the Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education.

These partnerships are designed to establish Centres of Excellence, promote industry-led training, reform educational curricula, develop trainers, and facilitate apprenticeships and job placements. They also aim to enhance knowledge sharing and provide greater exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry practices.

Swain characterized these agreements as significant investments in human capital, emphasizing that they will cultivate a skilled workforce to address the demands of Odisha’s growing industrial landscape. He noted that such collaborations will also create avenues for quality training, employment, and career progression for the younger population.

The agreements span high-growth fields such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, automotive technology, semiconductor technology, and green jobs. They are intended to foster innovation, drive digital transformation, and promote sustainable development while ensuring that women and marginalized communities gain better access to technical education and skilled employment.

Among the strategic partners involved are the 1M1B Foundation, Calderys, CIEL HR Services, Cloos India, Delphi-TVS Technologies, F5 India, Godrej Consumer Products, Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, iFOREST, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, OASME, Semantics, Siksha O Anusandhan University, THK India, and Utkal University.

The initiatives are expected to enhance the connection between skill training and the evolving needs of industries while broadening opportunities for apprenticeships and job placements.

The event was also attended by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Chakravarti Singh Rathore, Director of Technical Education and Training, Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO of the World Skill Center, and various industry representatives.