Bengal ropes in multinationals for skill training

With several reports pointing towards the lack of a skilled workforce in the state, the West Bengal government is all set to rope in global brands like Samsung and Siemens to provide quality training to young men and women pursuing different courses.

Revealing the government’s plans, State Minister for Technical Education and Training Ujjwal Biswas said that talks have been initiated with these multinational corporations to join hands with the government.

Besides global giants, the state is also looking at similar tie-ups with local majors like the RPG Group and Berger Paints to train young job aspirants in the latest skills.

“West Bengal is known for its rich pool of intellect. The state government wants to transform this intellectual wealth into top-class skill resources. The vision is to make Bengal the world’s skill capital,” the minister said at the ongoing Skill Conclave in Kolkata, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) regional chapter.

Biswas pointed out that the state has emerged as the ‘Best State’ in the Union labour ministry’s 50th All India Skill Competition 2014, which recently took place in Delhi.

While this would be the second successive year that West Bengal topped the chart, the state government has already started training in various fields like IT, hospitality management and various professional courses.

“We have already launched skill training in CAD/CAM at 62 centres with technical assistance from Siemens. Plus-II students are receiving training with assured opportunities for internships and jobs,” he said. The state has also launched a skill training programme in hospitality at Kalimpong, near Darjeeling.

“Around 770 trainees have been placed in prominent eatery chains like Café Coffee Day at reasonable wages and service benefits. As part of our mission to enhance employability and produce quality workforce, we will work closely with the National Skill Development Corporation for job-linked programmes,” the minister said.

Calling upon the public sector to join the state’s mission, Biswas said that the state has also decided to set up 37 polytechnics and 92 state-run IT training centres.