In a nation striving for rapid industrial growth and global competitiveness, the role of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) becomes more crucial than ever. These institutes are envisioned to be the backbone of skilled labour development in India.
However, a glaring gap remains between what ITI graduates learn and what industries actually require on the ground. Despite earning certifications, many find themselves unemployable or underprepared. This article explores the root causes of this disconnect and proposes actionable steps to bridge the widening divide.
The disconnect between ITI education and industry requirements in Jammu & Kashmir is a complex issue rooted in structural, educational, and socio-economic factors. While ITIs are designed to be practical training hubs for vocational skills, they often fall short of equipping students for the demands of modern industries — especially in a region like J&K that is striving to build a stable economy and generate employment.
Lack of Industry Interface: One Serious/ critical issue is the minimal collaboration between ITIs and industries in J&K. Many students complete their training without Industrial visits /Internships or apprenticeships Guest lectures or mentorship from industry professionals This lack of exposure means that students are unfamiliar with workplace expectations, safety standards, or production timelines all of which are essential in real job environments.
Soft Skills Are Overlooked: Employers consistently report that many ITI graduates, while technically aware, lack soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and workplace discipline. These “human skills” are essential for productivity and adaptability in dynamic job settings but are rarely emphasized in ITI training programs.
Imbalance Between Courses Offered and Local Demand: The trades offered in J&K’s ITIs are not always aligned with current or emerging local industry needs. For instance: A surge in solar energy and sustainable development initiatives has created demand for solar technicians, but this trade is either unavailable or under-enrolled. Meanwhile, traditional trades such as Welder may still be taught, despite having very limited local job demand today. This poor planning leads to a saturation of candidates in some trades and unfilled vacancies.
Regional Challenges Specific to Jammu & Kashmir: J&K faces unique logistical and economic challenges:
- Limited industrial base: Compared to other Indian states, J&K has fewer large-scale industries, limiting local job absorption for ITI graduates.
- Political and internet disruptions: Frequent interruptions in connectivity and stability affect both the learning process and recruitment opportunities.
- Geographical constraints: Many ITIs are located in remote areas, lacking the infrastructure and access to industry hubs that students in other states benefit from. ITIs in districts like Kishtwar or Doda face logistical issues in accessing modern tools, guest lectures, or industrial visits.
To address the mismatch between ITI training and industry expectations and to unlock the full potential of technical education and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the region’s youth, a targeted, region-specific skill development strategy is essential. Following are key recommendations to bridge this critical gap:
- Align Curriculum with Regional Industrial Demands
- Strengthen ITI–Industry Collaboration: Build formal partnerships with hydropower companies, tourism operators, and infrastructure contractors. e.g Collaborating with CVPPPL to offer practical training on live hydro projects in Kishtwar.
- Modernize Infrastructure
- Integrate Digital Skills Across Trades
- Make digital literacy compulsory in all trades
- Focus on Soft Skills and Employability
- Upskill ITI Faculty after every year in various top institutions of the country
- Promote Local Entrepreneurship
- Institutionalize Career Counselling
India being largest labour forces in the world, with a majority of its population under the age of 35. This presents a massive opportunity — but only if the workforce is equipped with relevant, job-ready skills. When every individual is trained with the right skillset, tailored to industry needs and local opportunities, it doesn’t just uplift the individual — it strengthens the entire economy. Empowering people with the right skills is not just an educational goal — it’s an economic strategy. If implemented correctly, it can transform technical education into a backbone of prosperity, not only for Jammu & Kashmir but for the entire nation.
(The views expressed in the article above are those of the author of the article Mr. Raiees Ahmad, Vocational Instructor COPA from Govt. ITI Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The matter and intent of this article have not been edited by skillreporter.com. Skill Reporter shall not be responsible for any person/ organization directly or indirectly.)
