Skill India Gets a New Boost as NSDC Signs MoU with Singapore Polytechnic & Terra Orient Skills Academy

Reinforcing its commitment towards creation of a world-class workforce in India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised ‘Aero Skills Seminar 2019’ at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore. The seminar was graced by the presence of by Rajesh Aggarwal, DG- DGT, MSDE; Mr. Prakash Sharma, CFO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Mr. Soh Wai Wah, CEO & Principal, Singapore Polytechnic, Mr. Suresh Ramanathan, Chairman, Terra Orient Pte Ltd.

One of the key highlights of the seminar was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSDC, Singapore Polytechnic and TerraOrient Skills Academy, to establish Centres of Excellence for Advance Skilling in India. Marking a unique public-private partnership between the three organisations, these Centres of Excellence will provide training and certification drawing from Singapore pedagogy and standards, in priority sectors under ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ programs that require a large workforce, equipped with higher-level technical skills. These centres will act as regional hubs for the training of India’s youth for domestic and overseas placements.

Terra Orient Skills Academy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore-based investment holding company, Terra Orient Pte Ltd., will also support establishment of an ‘Aerospace and Aviation Centre of Excellence in Advance Skilling’ in Bangalore.

Speaking at the seminar, Shri Rajesh Agarwal, Director General of Directorate General of Training, MSDE said, “Aerospace and Aviation are amongst the most dynamic sectors that will spearhead the technological charge of the future, leading to a demand for qualified and trained workforce who can cater to this growing need.”

Exchanging the MoU, Mr. Prakash Sharma, Chief Financial Officer, NSDC said, “NSDC’s strategic alliance with Singapore Polytechnic and Terra Orient is aimed at building a strong workforce that will drive growth in sectors which demand high-technical skilling such as aviation and aerospace. These centres of excellence, equipped with modern infrastructure and technology, will drive best-in-class framework for vocational training and quality assurance.”

Mr. Soh Wai Wah, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Polytechnic said, “Singapore Polytechnic is privileged to bring our model of TVET education to India.  As much as we are ready to offer expertise, we know that we will also be learning from our experience in India.”

The collaboration has commenced with skill training of two candidates, winners in Aircraft Maintenance category at the India Skills National competitions in Oct 2018.  These two bright candidates – Archana Reddy and Ananda Sri Ganesha - will be undergoing a  30 day training program at Singapore Polytechnic’s Aero Hub, to prepare them for forthcoming WorldSkills International event in Russia. This programme is co-funded by Singapore investment holding company, Terra Orient Pvt. Ltd and is promoted by Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council. 

The Aero Skill Seminar, titled ‘Skilling for Creating a World-class Workforce’, was held on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India Show 2019.  NSDC, under the aegis of MSDE has also put up a Skill Pavilion at the event, which is witnessing participation of more than 20 partners, active in skilling, such as Indian Air Force, Bird Academy, MRO Association India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, JetSetGo Aviation Services, Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council, among others.