Bhubaneswar, 06 October (H.S.): Odisha on Tuesday took a significant step towards building a future-ready workforce with the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 15 strategic partners at a special ceremony held at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar.

The partnerships are aimed at strengthening the state’s skill development ecosystem through greater industry collaboration, technical education, Centres of Excellence, innovation and enhanced employment opportunities for youth.

Addressing the gathering, Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain described the agreements as a significant investment in human capital. He said the partnerships would help develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of Odisha’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem while creating opportunities for quality training, employment and career advancement for young people.

The collaborations cover high-growth and emerging sectors, including advanced technologies, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, green jobs and automotive technology.

The MoUs will facilitate the establishment and strengthening of Centres of Excellence, industry-led training, curriculum reform, trainer capacity building, knowledge exchange, apprenticeships and placement opportunities. The initiatives are also expected to provide learners with greater exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices, ensuring that skill training remains aligned with evolving industry and market requirements.

The partnerships place particular emphasis on future skills and sustainable development, with the objective of preparing Odisha’s youth for emerging employment opportunities while promoting innovation, digital transformation and green growth. The initiative also seeks to expand access to technical education and skilled employment for women and youth from underprivileged communities.

The strategic partners include 1M1B Foundation, Calderys (France), CIEL HR Services Ltd, Cloos India (Germany), Delphi-TVS Technologies Ltd, F5 India (USA), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, iFOREST, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Pvt Ltd, OASME, Semantics, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, THK India (Japan) and Utkal University.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education Department, Bhupendra Singh Poonia; Director, Technical Education and Training, Chakravarti Singh Rathore; CEO, World Skill Center, Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra; and senior industry representatives were present at the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda