With an aim to prepare the Skill Development Plan for Kolkata and Pune, FFSC (Furniture and Fittings Skill Council) conducted Industry Consultation Meet on 7th June and 13th June 2024 with the support of #SkillAmbassadors Kutchina, Creaticity, Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Kesseböhmer Retail Solutions, Shambhala Home, Carysil Products Ltd & Dexarte.Â
Industry partners highlighted their concerns about manpower problems, unskilled workforce, attrition, the need for training infrastructure, etc. and deliberated to find solutions. Over 100 industry partners attended these consultation meets, underscoring the collective commitment to addressing these challenges and improving the sector.
Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO (FFSC) presented FFSC’s Skill Development Model whereby Regional Skill Chapters are being established in identified regions to formalize industry, aggregate demand, and create appropriate infrastructure to offer Training, Apprenticeship, and HR solutions.
FFSC Stakeholder Engagement Head, Mr. Shrikanth Sasi talked about the flagship initiatives and success stories from other Regional Skill Chapters. World Skills Competition and FFSC Centre of Excellence (Hyderabad) were a major hit amongst the partners.
Industry partners took the Skill Gap Test and contributed towards a methodical approach to the Skill Gap Assessment for the region. FFSC informed attendees how this would help in preparing company-specific and regional skill development plans, and implement relevant skilling initiatives.
The FFSC Regional Skill Chapter in Hyderabad has been a remarkable success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Industry, Academia, and Government. Their joint initiative addresses challenges head-on, resulting in the establishment of the Hyderabad FFSC Centre of Excellence (COE). This journey unfolded in a phased manner, leading to its success. Here is a quick glimpse of the journey:
Phase I: Initial Consultation and Assessment
FFSC conducted an industry orientation and consultation session, including a skill gap test to identify regional challenges.
Phase II: Chapter Launch
Based on the test results, solutions were proposed, and the Hyderabad Chapter was launched with the pledge to increase industry connect, deepen academia engagement and set-up a Centre of Excellence.
Phase III: Collaborative Town Hall
After the chapter launch, a town hall was held with all industry partners to discuss proposed solutions in detail and finalize a location for the Centre of Excellence (COE).
Phase IV: Establishing the COE & Skill Academy
The site for the COE was selected. With the support of MFMA (Modular Furniture Manufacturers Association) who helped us in getting the industry on one platform, HOMAG which assisted with machine setup, and NSTI, which provided the space, the COE was established. Additionally, Apprenticeship Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with industry partners to support the placement of students as apprentices after the completion of their training.
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Phase V: Student Orientation and Awareness
Following its soft launch on November 24th, FFSC conducted multiple orientation sessions to inform students about job and growth opportunities in the furniture and fittings sector. During this phase, over 500 students participated in the orientation sessions, showing significant interest in the industry. Additionally, more than 100 students underwent the Skill Aptitude Test, designed to assess their suitability and potential for various roles within the industry. Furthermore, 20 students received scholarships, highlighting FFSC’s commitment to supporting and nurturing talent in the field.
Phase VI: Advanced Training and Practical Application
Interested students underwent a rigorous three-month training program featuring experiential learning, training by industry experts, individual and group projects, as well as industry visits. Currently, 16 students are in the final stages, undergoing On-the-Job Training. Upon completion, they will be fully prepared for Apprenticeship.Â
The success of the Hyderabad FFSC Centre of Excellence stands as a testament to the #PowerOfCollaboration between industry, academia, and government. The council remain committed to building a robust skilling ecosystem and look forward to more such successful initiatives in other regions.
FFSC’s Design and Build Program
Despite the furniture industry offering diverse job opportunities and promising career growth, there is a lack of awareness among the general public regarding its potential. Many perceive it as limited to carpentry or manual labor, overlooking the vast array of roles available, from design and manufacturing to sales and management. This lack of understanding not only hinders individuals from exploring lucrative career paths but also contributes to the industry’s struggle to attract skilled talent.
To address this, FFSC implements an innovative design and build program at the grassroot level. This provides hands-on experience, bridging the gap between perception and reality. Participants gain understanding of the industry’s diverse roles and career prospects, nurturing interest and cultivating a skilled workforce.
