Thu Mar 06 16:06:11 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry’s Upgraded ITI Offers High-Tech Training, Faces Skill Gap
**Puducherry, March 6, 2025** – The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Mettupalayam, Puducherry, has undergone a significant upgrade, transforming into a model ITI under a central government scheme. The ₹3.9 crore modernization project, funded jointly by the central and Puducherry governments, equips the institute with state-of-the-art facilities for training in 14 trades, including electric vehicle (EV) and drone technology.
While the ITI boasts a sanctioned capacity of 616 students and a 100% placement rate, the current enrollment stands at only 341. This discrepancy highlights a crucial skill gap, with industries struggling to find enough qualified candidates. The Electricity department, for instance, recently sought 125 apprentice electricians but received only 20 applicants from the ITI.
Despite the high demand, with many graduates securing jobs with major airlines and multinational companies, awareness of the ITI’s offerings remains low. To address this, the government has introduced a stipend program, offering students ₹1,000 per month, free uniforms, bus service, and meals.
Industry leaders emphasize the importance of the new EV and drone technician courses, highlighting the growing job market in these sectors. They also suggest collaborations between the ITI and institutions like the Atal Incubation Centre to further enhance opportunities for Puducherry’s youth. The ITI’s principal highlighted the high demand and starting salaries (₹15,000 per month) offered by local industries, urging students to take advantage of this valuable resource.
First Piper 