Choosing ITI as a campus after X

Ranjan K Baruah *

In our last edition we published about choosing the right streams or careers after Class X. This time we shall write about an option which can lead us towards employment easily even without having graduation or post graduation.

We are talking about the importance of skill development and one of the institutes which can enhance our skills is undoubtedly the Industrial Training Institutes or ITI in short. It is mostly managed by the Government but there are ITIs which are managed by private players or under Public Private Partnership mode.

Students after passing Class X may apply for admission in different ITIs. The process is online and hassle free. There are separate campuses or ITIs for girls too. Different courses are offered under engineering and non engineering trades but all trades may not be available in all campuses.

Examples of few engineering trades are:

Draughtsman (Civil), Surveyor, Turner, Machinist,
Electrician, Wireman, Mechanic (Motor vehicle),
Draughtsman (Mechanic), Electronics Mech.,
Ref. & AC Mech, Instrument Mechanic, Mechanic Agriculture Machinery,
Information Communication Technology & System Maintenance, Welder,
Plumber, Mech. Tractor, Mechanic (Diesel),
Pump Operator- Cum-Mechanic, Plastic Proc Operator,
Mechanic Auto Body Repair, Mechanic Auto Body Painting,
Maintenance Mechanic Chemical Plant, Plastic Processing Sector,
Construction & Wood Working Sector,
Information Technology, Fabrication, etc.

Similarly non engineering trades includes trades like
Photographer, Stenographer Secretarial Assistant,
Sewing Technology, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant,
Web Designing and Computer Graphics,
Surface Ornamentation Techniques, Dress Making,
Secretarial Practice, Basic Cosmetology,
Bodo Typewriting, Data Entry Operator,
Domestic Housekeeping, Event Management Assistant,
Insurance Agent , Baker and Confectioners , etc.

These are professional skills which are a person’s skill set and ability to perform a certain type of activity or task. Employability skills are a person’s ability to interact effectively with co- workers and customers. Employability skills are applicable both at the workplace and outside the workplace. It complements many other activities even outside the workplace.

Recognizing this importance of soft skills, the DGT during its 38th Meeting held on 31st May, 2011 recommended introduction of subject “Employability Skills” replacing “Social Studies” in ITI curricula.

Students who take admission in ITIs and complete their courses get opportunities in different places including Public Sector Undertakings (PSU). They may get jobs in Government or corporate and other private institutions or even become self-employed. Aspirants may look at the newspaper advertisements or Government websites regarding admission announcements of ITIs.