Need for Skill Development Certification Programs
India is at the cusp of rapid industrial and infrastructural growth. The Government of India, through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Skill India Mission, has emphasized the urgent requirement of creating a workforce that is industry-ready, employable, and globally competitive [https://nsdcindia.org/vision-mission].
Despite a large young population, there remains a skill gap in critical vocational trades such as electricians, plumbers, and safety supervisors, which are essential for both industrial and service sectors. Industry feedback shows that while technical graduates exist in large numbers, the hands-on trained technicians and supervisors who can directly contribute to operational excellence are in short supply.
The Indian Government's National Education Policy, 2020. NEP 2020 also stresses integration of vocational training with academic ecosystems, encouraging institutes of higher learning to foster skilling programs alongside traditional education. This alignment presents an opportunity for IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and M/s Advaya Srestha to collaborate and create scalable, high-impact programs that prepare youth for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
M/s Advaya Srestha proposes to offer Skill Development Certification Programs in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad. The initiative will be rolled out in a phased structure of three levels:
Level 3 – Technicians / Supervisors (current focus) with a target group of ITI students, Polytechnic students, Degree students, graduates, and even 10th/12th students.
Focus: Practical skills, safety, and job-readiness in domains like electrical, plumbing, and safety supervision.
Level 2 – Technocrats (Engineers and Middle Managers) with a focus on advanced modules in Building Management Systems (BMS), MEP, renewable energy systems, and other engineering skills.
Level 1 – Senior Management Cadre with focus on Executive education in leadership, and strategic technology management for decision-makers.
This three-tiered structure ensures a complete skill pipeline - from grassroots vocational workers to mid-level technocrats and senior executives - thereby addressing skill needs across the spectrum.
At present, it is proposed to start the program by offering Level 3 training of 3 days duration in three domains. The brief details of the presently identified course objectives are listed in the table here below. Other courses will be introduced in due course of time in consultation with IITH.
Skilled Electrical Technician
• Learn basics of electrical trade, tools, safety & codes.
• Train in domestic wiring, solar/inverter & small installations.
• Awareness of machines & maintenance.
• Build troubleshooting & customer service skills.
Skilled Plumbing Technician
• Introduce plumbing tools, drawings & safety.
• Teach water supply & drainage basics.
• Hands-on: pipe cutting, joining, leak testing.
• Install fixtures & practice green plumbing.
• Train in customer communication & career readiness.
Safety Supervisor (OSHE Basics)
• Define the role & responsibilities of a safety supervisor.
• Promote workplace safety culture & audits.
• Train in fire safety, hazard identification, and risk assessment.
• Explain Indian Acts & compliance.