By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 13 Dec: Phillips Education, in partnership with the Government of Uttarakhand, celebrated the graduation of the latest batch of students from the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (CoE). This state-of-the-art facility at Vishisht ITI, Haridwar, equips graduates with advanced skills to meet industry demands and secure well-paying jobs in premium manufacturing companies.
Phillips Education, a division of Phillips Machine Tools (part of Phillips Corporation, USA), has been instrumental in designing and delivering the CoE’s curriculum, which focuses on practical, real-world applications using cutting-edge equipment such as CNC machines (from HAAS Automation), Collaborative Robots (from Universal Robots), and 3D printers (from Markforged).
The Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (CoE) was established in September 2023 as part of an initiative to address critical skill gaps among ITI graduates. While these graduates have basic vocational skills, they often need more exposure to modern technologies. Phillips Education aims to tackle these challenges by offering hands-on training in advanced machining, automation, 3D printing, and robotics in their CoE. This training prepares students to succeed in the contemporary manufacturing landscape.
The programme has achieved significant success, with over 100 graduates securing positions at leading companies, including Hero, VBN, and Jyoti CNC. On average, these graduates earn starting salaries that are double the typical earnings of ITI graduates. The upcoming batch has already reached full capacity, reflecting the growing success of the initiative. Three new Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will soon be established—two in Sahaspur and one in Bazpur. This development underscores the programme’s dedication to empowering the youth of Uttarakhand through innovative skill development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Rakshit Kejriwal, President of Phillips Global Education, said, “This programme is designed to equip students with the skills that are directly aligned with the demands of the industry, thereby ensuring their readiness for employment from the outset. We are honoured to collaborate with the Uttarakhand Government to empower these students with transformative opportunities, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of India’s manufacturing sector.”
The Minister of Skill Development and Employment, Saurabh Bahuguna, praised the programme’s success and said, “The Uttarakhand government is consistently working to connect the youth with employment opportunities. This Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Haridwar is a significant step towards empowering the youth of Uttarakhand with industry-relevant skills. Such initiatives are pivotal in driving the state’s progress, bridging critical skill gaps, and creating high-quality job opportunities. Because of this training and program, these graduates are able to secure starting salaries that are twice as high as those typically earned by ITI graduates. These efforts will play a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy and promoting industrial growth.”
The Uttarakhand government, through the Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM) aims to tackle unemployment by equipping youth across all 13 districts with skills for sustainable employment.
The Vishisht ITI facility spans 1,800 square feet and includes specialised classrooms and labs for CAD/CAM, additive and subtractive manufacturing. The CoE operates as a “finishing school” for ITI graduates, offering a three-month intensive training program free of cost. This programme is fully funded by the government and the World Bank, powered by Phillips Education.
The Advanced Manufacturing CoE has trained and placed graduates across four successful batches, with the fifth and sixth batches graduating together at this ceremony. The initiative demonstrates the transformative power of public-private collaboration in addressing skill gaps, boosting employment, and driving innovation in India’s manufacturing sector.
