Residential Hands-on Skill Development Training for Vocational Students Kicks Off Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A five-day Residential Hands-on Skill Development Training Programme for students of Government Vocational Higher Secondary Schools has commenced across Odisha, aiming to strengthen practical competencies and boost employability among youth. The training, organised by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), is being held simultaneously at three premier institutions — the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneswar, the World Skill Centre (WSC), and Centurion University.

While the CTTC is hosting the training in IT-ITeS, the WSC is conducting sessions on Electronics and Hardware, and Centurion University has begun training in the SPEFL trade from October 27, 2025. Around 300 students and teachers from Government Vocational Higher Secondary Schools across Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Puri, Nuapada, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, and Gajapati districts are participating in the programme.

At the CTTC, the inaugural session was graced by Niyati Pattnaik, Director, DHSE, who served as the Chief Guest. In her address, she underscored the growing relevance of vocational education in today’s skill-driven economy. Encouraging the students to make the most of the training, she highlighted how such initiatives prepare them to be job-ready and self-reliant in emerging sectors like information technology.

L. Rajasekhar, General Manager, CTTC, motivated students to pursue careers in vocational and technical domains, emphasizing that skill-based learning opens pathways to both entrepreneurship and employment. The programme began with a welcome address by Shri Jitendra Nayak, Deputy Director, DHSE, followed by a vote of thanks by M.K. Rajan, Senior Manager, CTTC.

At the World Skill Centre, the training was inaugurated in the presence of Sasmita Mali, Joint Director, DHSE, T. Thumbyrajah, Principal, and  Umakant Sethi, OIC, SAMS, among others. The sessions are designed to provide hands-on exposure through industry-grade tools and expert guidance.

The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on integrating vocational training with mainstream education, ensuring that students gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills aligned with industry needs. By the end of the training, participants are expected to gain enhanced technical proficiency, confidence, and better career orientation — making them future-ready for both higher education and employment opportunities.