'Training should be part of education system'

German Skill Development Expert Antonius Peter Jax said skill development is the main agenda worldwide and it plays a vital role from the point of national economy.

Taking part in an interactive programme on skill development organised by Karnataka German Technical Training Institute, Yeyyadi and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at KCCI Hall on Tuesday, he said there is a challenge before the employers to provide skill and knowledge-based training to employees.

“Training system should be part of the education system. But due to cultural implications, it has not been a reality,” he said. Jax said industrial training institutions in the district have been providing good training to youngsters and the students will be ready to fulfill companies’ requirements once they complete the training.

He suggested government ITI colleges and private establishments to work together to make youngsters more productive. This pattern will be a win-win situation for both the government and private companies, Jax added.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said additional courses on skill development are the need of the hour to prepare skilled labourers along with dedicated ones. The existing labour force need constant upgrading.

In the fast changing world, companies are required to give necessary input to employees to ensure skill development at the workplace, he observed.

The DC also felt for a need to train traditional workers such as cashew factory labourers and fishermen to enable them to impart training to others. They may also be trained to be professional quality checkers, he suggested. Along with technical orientation, upgrading on soft skills is also required, Jax said.

GIZ-IS State team leader Anil Bhandary said the Department of Employment and Training and German International Services have jointly established Karnataka German Multi Skill Development Centres (KGMSDC) in Bengaluru, Gulbarga, Belagavi, Hubballi and Mangaluru. Short-term and long-term courses are offered to professionals, diploma holders and graduates and also ITI teachers at these centres to upgrade their skills in the industry, he added. Director In-charge of Karnataka German Technical Institute Giridhar Salian and KCCI President Rammohan Pai Maroor were present.