As industries move towards automation, Karnataka is reshaping its ITI ecosystem to meet evolving industry needs. Dr. Ragapriya R, Commissioner, Department of Industrial Training and Employment, Government of Karnataka, shares insights on the state’s industry- linked ITI model in an exclusive interview with Krishna Mishra of Elets News Network (ENN).
Edited by: Abhineet Kumar | Elets News Network (ENN)
Karnataka has emerged as a frontrunner in skill development and employment initiatives. How do you see the evolving role of the Industrial Training and Employment Department in shaping a future-ready workforce?
The Department of Industrial Training and Employment oversees government, aided, and private ITIs across Karnataka, comprising more than 1,000 institutions. The department plays a critical role in bridging the gap between industry and the rural workforce by providing vocational training to students who have completed Class 10 and are seeking employable skills.
Most ITI students come from rural backgrounds and require structured vocational education to access gainful employment. The department functions as a vital link between industry requirements and workforce readiness. Courses range from one- year to two-year programmes, covering traditional trades such as electrician, fitter, turner, and machinist, as well as advanced domains including robotics, electric vehicles, and green energy.
The department caters to two segments simultaneously: highly skilled technicians required by large industries and skilled manpower required by MSMEs and small industries. This dual focus has resulted in strong placement outcomes, with over 70 percent of ITI graduates securing employment, often outperforming degree and diploma holders who lack industry-relevant skills.
With rapid technological disruption, how is the ITI ecosystem in Karnataka being reimagined to stay relevant to Industry 4.0
and emerging sectors?
The ITI ecosystem in Karnataka is being reoriented to align with evolving industry needs. While foundational knowledge in electricals, electronics, and machinery remains essential, industry demand has shifted towards specialised skills such as CNC machining, electric vehicle technology, and automation.
To address this, the department has launched the Udyoga Programme across 150 ITIs. Under this initiative, six advanced long-term courses have been introduced, including:
- Advanced CNC Machining
- Advanced Electric Vehicle Technology
- Industrial Robotics
- Industrial Automation and Process Control
- Virtual Verifier
- Virtual Designer
These courses are designed to meet current industry requirements and prepare technicians for Industry 4.0 environments. The focus is on producing CNC technicians, EV technicians, and green energy technicians rather than only traditional trades.
Industry–academia collaboration is crucial for bridging the skill gap. How is the department strengthening partnerships with
industry, MSMEs, and sector skill councils?
Industry collaboration is a core strength of Karnataka’s ITI ecosystem. Most ITIs are mapped to nearby industries to ensure relevance and exposure.
A key initiative is the Dual System of Training, currently implemented in around 70 ITIs. Under this model, students spend the first year in the ITI and up to nine months of the second year undergoing hands-on training in industry settings.
In addition, students undergo on-the-job training for two to three months in specific sectors. The department has signed MoUs with over 45 industries to support curriculum alignment, lab setup, and skill development.
Industries have established electrical, solar, green technology, and robotics labs within ITIs as part of CSR initiatives. They also provide trainers and conduct training-of-trainers programmes to ensure faculty remain aligned with current industrial practices.
Notable collaborations include long-standing partnerships with Toyota, which supports 20 to 25 ITIs, Schneider Electric, which runs AR-VR and green skills programmes in around 20 ITIs, and Bosch, which conducts training programmes for both students and instructors.
What challenges does the department face in industry collaboration and implementation of such programmes?
One major challenge is keeping trainers aligned with current industry practices. Many trainers completed their education decades ago and may not be fully in sync with rapid technological changes. This is being addressed through regular industry-led training and exposure programmes.
Another challenge is limited industry involvement in curriculum design and practical training. In countries like Germany and South Korea, industries actively design curricula and take full responsibility for practical training, creating a ready-to-deploy workforce. While Indian industries do engage with ITIs, participation is not yet at that level.
Greater industry ownership in curriculum development and hands-on training would significantly enhance workforce readiness and elevate the quality of skilled labour in Karnataka.
How is technology being leveraged for trainee enrolment, skill mapping, placement tracking, and labour market intelligence?
The department has developed an in-house digital portal through Karnataka’s e-governance framework to monitor training outcomes across ITIs. The platform tracks student attendance, dropout rates, learning outcomes, teacher performance, and inventory management.
An AI-powered placement system is currently being piloted. Through a voice-based AI platform, ITI graduates can record their qualifications, location preferences, and salary expectations. This information is instantly matched with mapped MSMEs, enabling rapid employer-employee connections within 10 to 15 minutes.
The initiative, currently piloted in Hubballi-Dharwad and referred to as the Blue Dot Experiment, is planned for statewide scale-up. It represents a shift from conventional job fairs to real-time, data-driven placement mechanisms.
Looking ahead, what are the top priorities for the department over the next five years?
The department’s long-term vision focuses on three priorities:
Making ITIs Aspirational
ITIs must become a preferred career choice rather than a last resort. The aim is to demonstrate that vocational education leads to stable, well-paying jobs with clear career progression, discouraging early dropouts into informal gig work.
Aligning Staff with Industry Needs
Faculty and staff must continuously adapt to changing industrial realities. Regular industry exposure and mindset reorientation are essential to maintain relevance.
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Curriculum Modernisation and Rationalisation
Obsolete trades will be phased out and replaced with new- age courses aligned with current and future industry needs. Infrastructure and course offerings will be rationalised to reflect market demand.
Together, these reforms aim to position Karnataka’s ITI ecosystem as a robust pipeline of industry-ready, future- facing skilled professionals.
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