ITI Berhampur, Odisha is a leading institution in India that has been at the forefront of technical education in the country. It has achieved many milestones when it comes to training and skill development. The key focus of the institute is to prepare the students for the industry through industry-relevant courses and training. Apart from the technical training, it also focuses on the creative development of the students through many creative projects and upcycling through their “waste to wealth” initiative.
To know about the ITI, their achievements and the challenges they are facing in the current times, we caught up with Dr. Rajat Kumar Panigrahi, Principal, Government ITI, Berhampur, Odisha.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. Could you tell us about the popular courses and placement in your ITI?
A: ITI Berhampur is one of the largest ITIs in Odisha as well as in the country. We have started a mission of qualitative training and a 100 percent placement in 2015. At present, we are offering courses in more than 24 trades and have a seating capacity of more than 3,600. We ensure the industry readiness of our students through industry-relevant courses and prepare them for a better future. We keep updating our teaching and training methodology to bridge the skill gap.
Q. What are the other projects which make ITI Berhampur stand out?
A: We have developed a basic nameplate that is made out of iron using 32 tools. It was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Youth Skills Day. We have converted ITI Berhampur into an educational wonderland. We continuously try to enhance our training to make it interesting for the students.
The students have developed scrap crafts and sculptures such as a 72 ft high guitar sculpture. It was sold drastically in the market. They have also made a sculpture of India map from scrap. The CEO, TATA Aerospace, Hyderabad has recognized ITI Berhampur and offered placements to our female students. Despite being a government institute, ITI Berhampur is now well recognized across the country.
The training in our campus is much advanced and our students are well trained with the necessary skills as per industry requirements. We have also started an initiative of upcycling called ‘waste to wealth under which students make crafts from scrap and they are sold. Such innovative training is given to our students which is making our ITI successful.
Q. How are you managing the training and education during the pandemic?
A: To ensure continuous skill development, we are providing online classes to students during the pandemic. However, online classes have their limitations and vocational education requires hands-on experience and practical training. Also, there are many other issues such as connectivity, lack of smartphones which are making it difficult for the students to continue learning. However, we are trying our best to accommodate our students with the best facility and training.
We have also created a 3D model, a digital concept of giving practical training through YouTube. Whenever the campus opens, we will resume the hands-on training in our labs. ITI’s success path is hands-on practice. Unless you go for hundreds of welding practices, your hands will never get accustomed to the work.
Q. How did you ensure the upskilling and reskilling of the trainers during this pandemic?
A: Due to the COVID-19, there was a need for the upskilling of our trainers. We ensure the necessary training of our team and they have benefited a lot during this period. We have contributed to the fight against COVID-19 by producing face shields, automatic sanitizer machines as there was an urgent need for this equipment.
ITI, Berhampur has also developed a unique shoe sole cleaning sanitizer. There are also four other such products that have been filed for patent. Our institute will continue the contribution to society and will always ensure the overall development of our students.
Also read:How Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) has embarked on a journey to make “Skilled in Odisha” a global brand https://www.nationalskillsnetwork.in/osda-skilled-in-odisha/
Q. Please share your advice to students about the importance of vocational training and skill development for employability and entrepreneurship?
A: Today, skills are crucial for employment. So, to acquire the necessary skill set, students should be determined to learn. Continuous learning should be their mantra. Each and every student will do wonders if they put their mind and heart into achieving their goals.
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