Mehsana, May 21: A skill training institute in Vadnagar, located in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, has officially commenced operations. Graduates from its initial batches are now deployed in several significant infrastructure projects across the country.
The Industrial Construction Skills Training Institute (ICSTI) was established by a private engineering and construction firm in collaboration with the Gujarat government. To date, the institute has trained two pilot batches comprising 201 trainees.
This initiative focuses on providing practical, employment-oriented training tailored to the needs of large infrastructure projects.
According to officials, trainees who complete courses lasting 45, 60, and 90 days are currently working on projects such as the Dholera Semiconductor Fabrication project, the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, the Ahmedabad Metro, the Khambhalia Solar Power Project, and the Panipat Refinery project in Haryana.
These trainees receive a stipend ranging from ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
Spanning approximately 9.3 acres, the campus is equipped with specialized infrastructure for practical training, including large practical models and simulation-based training facilities.
Institute head Niranjan Mishra stated that the training system aligns with international standards. He noted, “The skill training framework is based on the standards of the UK’s Construction Industry Training Board. The curriculum has been developed under its guidance to ensure globally competitive training.”
Officials mentioned that trainees are classified into Level-2, Level-3, and Level-4 categories based on their skills.
After training, candidates have the opportunity to work for 24 months under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and for 9 months under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, totaling 33 months of stipend-based employment.
According to officials, upon completing two years of apprenticeship, trainees become eligible for frontline supervisor positions. Additionally, job opportunities abroad may also be available.
Currently, the institute offers training in over 20 trades related to construction, manufacturing, and emerging industrial sectors. These include formwork carpentry, scaffolding, plumbing, electrical systems, welding, pipe fitting, HVAC, fire fighting systems, surveying, solar installation, and health and safety courses.
The program is open to both men and women, with separate hostel facilities available on campus. No fees are charged to trainees, and accommodation and meals are provided free of cost.
The campus also features hostels, dining facilities, sports grounds, a gym, health services, indoor games, and yoga-meditation amenities.
Ronak Kadiya, a commerce graduate from Vadnagar, shared that he enrolled in the formwork carpentry trade two months ago and is now working on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project. He said, “I learned a lot during my training at ICSTI-Vadnagar. My skills improved, and now I am working on the bullet train project site. The training here is practical and offers great employment opportunities.”
Officials confirmed that all 201 trainees from the pilot batch have been assigned to various infrastructure projects or are in the deployment process.
The institute was developed following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and Gujarat government’s skill development agencies last March. The first batch commenced in September.
Candidates aged between 18 and 35 can apply, with educational qualifications varying by trade. Some courses require only basic schooling, while others necessitate an ITI certificate.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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