Mumbai: In a landmark initiative organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inaugurate a cutting-edge Skill centre in Kandivali, Mumbai.
The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal on 07 October 2024, marking a significant boost to the skilling landscape for Mumbai’s workforce.
In his address, Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This skill development center is proudly dedicated to our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose vision for a skilled and self-reliant India continues to inspire us. Within just six days of its launch, the center has already facilitated employment for 700 individuals, showcasing its immediate impact and the potential it holds. Over the coming year, it is anticipated to create job opportunities for 1 lakh candidates across various sectors.”
The Union Minister highlighted the center’s role in addressing the growing demand for skilled labor, asserting that it will equip young people with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market. “By fostering partnerships between industry leaders and training programs, this center bridges the gap between education and real-world employment, symbolizing our commitment to uplifting youth and empowering them to thrive in today’s competitive environment.”
Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, praised the swift completion of the center, noting, “We have established this facility within just 44 days, a tremendous achievement that will provide opportunities to thousands in and around Mumbai. This state-of-the-art center will attract individuals from across the country, demonstrating the power of effective leadership.”
Executive Vice President of NSDC, Ajay Kumar Raina, underscored the significance of this collaboration: “Today marks a pivotal milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global skills capital, as envisioned by our Honorable Prime Minister. This partnership between NSDC, BMC, and CII reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of India by aligning opportunities with professional aspirations and broader economic goals.”
The newly established vocational training institute at Akurli Village, Kandivali East, features a modern G+5 building with a built-up area of 3440.68 sq.m. Initially, the center will offer five specialized short-term courses in high-demand sectors, including fashion technology, AC and refrigeration, gaming and animation, quick service restaurants, and data and cyber security. The center is poised to adapt its course offerings based on industry feedback and evolving workforce needs.
A key highlight of this initiative is its commitment to employment outcomes, with industry partners such as CII, NASSCOM, and various sector skill councils delivering training at nominal costs. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has equipped the facility with advanced labs and has committed to ensuring at least 75% employment for successful candidates post-training. The event also witnessed the distribution of offer letters to 20 candidates, representing the first batch of 500 beneficiaries.
Operating under the guidance of CII’s Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood and the CII Green Business Centre, the centre will maintain high standards of training relevance. NSDC will provide bi-annual reports to BMC to track training completion and employment rates, managing all operational aspects to ensure a world-class learning environment.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating a skilled workforce, empowering India’s youth, and contributing to national growth and global competitiveness.
