The upgraded ITI at Mettupalayam has the latest equipment to train students in different trades, including EV and drone technology in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit: KUMAR SS

The upgraded ITI at Mettupalayam has the latest tools and equipment to train students in different trades including EV and Drone technology in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit:
KUMAR SS

The upgraded ITI at Mettupalayam has the latest tools to train students in different trades including EV and Drone technology in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit:
KUMAR SS

The upgradation of Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Mettupalayam as a Model ITI under a Central scheme has opened up new avenues for the youth in Puducherry to enhance their technical skills in tune to the present-day requirements of the industry.

Under the scheme to modernise ITIs in the country which is implemented by Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the sprawling ITI at Mettupalayam situated on around 12.5 acres of prime land, now boasts of having the best facilities to train students in 14 trades, including handling of electric vehicles, drones, automobiles, and evergreen electric courses.

M. Nandakumar, Chairman of Institute Management Committee of Government ITI for Men and past chairman of CII, Puducherry, said the institute was upgraded as a Model ITI with financial assistance from the Centre and the Puducherry government. The facilities provided at the institute were the best to train the youth of Puducherry for availing job opportunities, locally and outside the Union Territory.

Principal-cum-Member Secretary of the Institute D. Azhagananthan said the total cost of the modernisation project stood at around ₹3.9 crore. While 70% of the cost was met through Central assistance, the remaining expenditure was covered by the Puducherry government, he said.

The latest training facilities at the institute, he said, would be of not much use if the right kind of awareness was lacking among the people about the tremendous job opportunities the ITI trades offer in the recent times. The ITI has a sanctioned strength to admit 616 students in 14 trades. However, the total enrollment was only 341, he said.

“The sanctioned strength and enrollment numbers are those prior to the modernisation. However, the placement has been hundred per cent. In fact, we are getting several enquiries from government entities, such as Electricity department and private industries based in Puducherry for technically-qualified students for employment. The sad part is that we don’t have enough number of candidates to cater to the needs of the industry,” Mr. Azhagananthan said.

Quite recently, the Electricity department had approached the ITI to facilitate recruitment of 125 electricians as apprentice, but the college could only provide 20 candidates, Mr. Azhagananthan added. Most of the private industries based in Puducherry offer a starting salary of ₹15,000 per month. Many of the students are working with major airlines and multinational companies abroad earning a huge salary. The institute’s placement cell works in partnership with industries, such as Whirlpool, Lebracs, Metalscope and Fastenex, General Optics (Asia) for recruitment, he said. 

Government stipend

“Many students and parents are not aware of the huge job opportunities available. To encourage children to join ITI courses, the government has come out with a scheme to provide a stipend of ₹1,000 per month, free uniform, bus service and meals. There is no other comparable educational facility which can claim a 100% placement rate,” he said.

Stressing the need for more awareness on the courses, CII vice-chairman Samir Kamra said, the new drone technician course offered at the ITI would help in skilling the youth of Puducherry. The Atal Incubation Centre and the ITI could collaborate for the benefit of the youth in the region, he said.

Past chairman of CII and Managing Director of Manatec M. Kalaiichelvan said technicians would be on high demand with EVs on the rise on Indian roads. “The introduction of EV curriculum, lab with electric vehicle tools and other facilities at Mettupalayam ITI will help local industries like ours to absorb students for internship, training and full-time job opportunities. There is a good scope for powertrain technology, battery management, emission, transmission and communication technologies. Students should make use of the opportunity available,” he said.