Govt to provide vocational training in HS schools

Kolkata: In a bid to create a job-ready and efficient workforce in the state, the Bengal government will provide advanced vocational training at higher secondary schools.

"In the first phase, about 2,700 higher secondary schools have been selected for the vocational courses. This step will ensure that young people will be a lot more employable," said Purnendu Basu, state Minister for Technical Education, Training & Skill Development

Basu inaugurated a three-day Regional Workskills Competition organised by CII at Ramakrishna Mission Shilpamandir at Belur in Howrah on Monday evening.

"Under this initiative, which will be rolled out in a phased manner, we are aiming to foster skill development and create employment opportunities for students across the state," he added.

It may be mentioned that Bengal currently has 12 universities comprising of 600 colleges (including engineering, MCA and other specialised institutes under both government and private ownership).

"Every year, more than 8,00,000 students enroll for various courses in these colleges. To take the initiative forward, the state government is keen to associate with institutions such as National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), NABARD and industry associations like CII," the minister said.

He further said Bengal will become the second state after Gujarat to have a dedicated policy and cluster to promote gold jewellery manufacturing and trade.

This year over 180 candidates from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha and West Bengal are taking part in the Workskills Competition in 20 trades.