Skill-based courses in high demand at 137 govt ITIs
The government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are seeing an unprecedented rise in demand for skill-based courses, leaving private counterparts behind. This year, the state government increased the number of seats to 35,000 across 137 ITIs, a rise from 30,000 in previous years. Despite 15 days remaining for the final round of counselling, over 90 per cent of these seats are already filled, with 75,000 applicants vying for the available spots.
Officials from the Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training revealed that while admissions in government ITIs are nearly full, private ITIs are struggling with a 50 per cent admission rate. Popular courses like electrician, fitter, turner, and welder, as well as modern courses such as EV mechanic, drone service technician, and industrial robotics technician, are particularly sought after.
At ITI Lopoke in Amritsar, trades like electrician, plumber, and welder are in high demand, with students benefiting from partnerships with companies like Siemens and Hyundai for hands-on industrial training. Hyundai has even provided a vehicle to aid in practical lessons.
This surge in demand is also linked to the craze for overseas job opportunities, particularly in the Middle East and Western countries. Manoj Gupta, Additional Director in the Department of Technical Education, mentioned that specific trades are driven by regional industries. For instance, AC refrigeration courses are popular in Patiala, while trades like electrician, fitter, and machinist are sought after in Ludhiana.
Government ITIs in districts like Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, and Moga have already reported 100 per cent admissions, while border districts like Amritsar and Ferozepur have admissions rates between 88-97 per cent.
On the other hand, private ITIs are facing challenges. Shimanshu Gupta, president of the Punjab ITI Association, attributed the decline in admissions to the state government’s lack of support, citing insufficient reimbursement for SC students as a significant issue.
