Tamil Nadu govt to integrate ITIs with govt schools to enhance employability

It has proposed initiating the system of Industrial Training Institutes in government high and higher secondary schools throughout the state to reduce the gap between school education and industry-ready skills.

This initiative is jointly being explored by the School Education Department and the Department of Employment and Training as part of a broader initiative to enhance employability among students at an early stage.

The initiative, still at a conceptual stage, proposes to set up a new facility called ‘School-ITI’. To explain, the industrial and vocational training will be imparted from school campuses as students pursue technical skills training along with their regular academic education.

Senior officials of both departments attended a meeting on December 4 to discuss structure, eligibility and feasibility associated with the implementation of the proposal. The Employment and Training Department proposed the selection of 10 government schools as a pilot institution for setting up School-ITIs under the initial roadmap.

Though no final call has been made regarding implementation, preparatory ground works have begun by assessing the infrastructure and suitability of locations. Later, subsequent to discussions, the CEOs in chosen districts were asked to furnish a list of government high and higher secondary schools where the project can be suitably implemented.

They have been given one week to submit the list after considering the local needs and availability of facilities. Several clauses have been specified for schools to be eligible for hosting a School-ITI.

Each school should have at least half an acre within its premises. It also requires approval for conversion of unused and underutilized laboratories and buildings into workshops and training classrooms for ITI.

Another related criterion will be the absence or lack of vocational training centres in the immediate vicinity. Schools falling within or near the proximity of an industrial zone will be accorded further preference as it is likely to increase practical exposure and development of industry linkages along with increasing job possibilities for the students following completion of training. Currently, ITIs in Tamil Nadu offer a wide array of technical and vocational courses to Class 10 and 12 completers, encompassing several trades in manufacturing, electrical, mechanical and service sectors. This is one area where the School Education Department has already taken initiatives, restructuring the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 from the 2021-22 academic year with increased focus on employability. The pilot can be scaled up statewide, transforming school education by embedding job-oriented training at the grassroots level, opening up early career pathways for the student community, and strengthening Tamil Nadu's skilled workforce ecosystem.