Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) has been providing industry-aligned technical training for the last six decades. The industry-ready courses have helped many students to build a rewarding aspirational career. The institute provides hands-on practical training along with theoretical knowledge. This makes the students industry-ready and gives all NTTF alumni a major advantage over others. Along with the technical skills, NTTF also inculcates values and other life skills in students.
As an alumnus of NTTF, Mr. Kovalan Sandiyappan has achieved great milestones in his career. He is currently working as the General Manager Operations in OK Play Auto Pvt. Ltd.
In this conversation with Team NSN, Mr. Kovalan shares his journey as an NTTF alumnus and tells us more about his rich industry experience.
Q. Could you please tell us about your journey as an NTTF alumnus?
A: I completed my Diploma in Tool and Die Making in 1993. After completing my course, I joined Lakshmi Precision Tools Ltd where I worked as a Tool Maker / Team leader for 2 years. I moved to Singapore to work as a Tool Maker / Team Lead in Metal Component Engineering Pte Ltd. I worked there for four years before moving to Canada where I worked in different companies for eight years.
After returning to India, I joined NTTF as a Deputy Manager where I utilized my industry experience to train the youngsters with an aim to make them industry-ready. I worked in NTTF for six years, during this period I also completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore. Later I completed my Master’s Degree from the same institution during which I got various opportunities to turn my ideas into reality.
I’ve invented a few gadgets and applied for a few patents and also been granted a few.
After the completion of my Master’s Degree, I joined KRAMSKI Stamping and Molding India Pvt. Ltd. as an R&D Manager where I worked for four years before moving to my current company. Currently I am working in OK Play Auto Pvt. Ltd. as a General Manager Operations.
The five-year training in NTTF was very instrumental in building a strong foundation for my career. The industry-aligned training prepared me for all the workplace challenges.
Q. Please tell us more about the patents that you have applied for?
I have applied for three patents for the three gadgets that I have invented and improvised. The first patent was for a Garlic Peeler Attachment for Home Mixture Grinders which makes the Garlic peeling easier and less time consuming for everyone. The second patent was for an improved version of Cold Air Gun. I have improvised the already existing technology to make it even better and less costly. A traditional Cold Air Gun costs around 30,000 to 50,000 INR. However, the machine that I improvised costs only INR 1000 and 20% more effective compared to the traditional ones. The third patent was for a Multistage Vacuum Generator which is used to generate vacuum more efficiently.
The training in NTTF made us think out of the box all the time which helped a lot to come out with these innovative ideas and the strong technical and practical hands-on knowledge helped me to apply them in real life.
Q. How has NTTF helped you to cope with the changes in your professional life? Along with the technical skills, what other skills have you learned at NTTF?
NTTF has laid a strong basic foundation for all the technical skills which was a stepping stone in my career. Along with the technical skills, NTTF inculcated various other skills among us. My five years in NTTF has taught me time management skills which came in handy during my professional career. Along with the time management skills, it has also taught me how to work in a team. The applied knowledge I gained in NTTF helped me to innovate various machines to make other people’s life easier. NTTF has helped me build strong leadership skills as well.
The training in NTTF has taught me all the industry-relevant courses along with many life skills which have helped me to cope with the changes in my career as well as personal life.
Q. How did you venture into writing books? Please tell us more about yourself as an author.
A: I have published seven research papers and have written four books. The books were a part of a series. The names of the books are 2D 3D CAD EXERCISES-Vol 1, 2 and 3 and 200 2D 3D CAD EXERCISES. 200 2D 3D CAD EXERCISES is a collection of exercises from the first three volumes. These books are industry-relevant and beginner friendly. These are available at a very nominal cost for everyone who wants to learn 2D, 3D CAD Modelling. I believe in sharing my knowledge with everyone as it makes a lot of difference in one’s life. Currently I am working on a set of six books on the same topic. These books will have advanced level content. Two books are already completed and I am working on the other four.
Also read: Meet this NTTF alumnus who strongly believes in continuous learning and upskilling https://www.nationalskillsnetwork.in/meet-this-nttf-alumnus-who-strongly-believes-in-continuous-learning/
Q. Any suggestions you wish to give to the students?
A: As a student, you must work hard to build the right competencies and to learn all the skills. Lifelong learning is the key to success. So, you must spend some time learning each day. You must have a passion for the work that you do and you should love your work as it will help you grow in your career.
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