Chennai, Dec 10 (NationPress) In an effort to close the divide between academic education and industry-ready skills, the government of Tamil Nadu is contemplating the establishment of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) within government high and higher secondary schools throughout the state.

This initiative is being collaboratively examined by the School Education Department and the Department of Employment and Training as part of a wider strategy to enhance employability among students from an early age.

The current proposal, still in its initial phase, proposes the creation of a novel concept termed ‘School-ITI’. This model would see industrial and vocational training facilities operating from school campuses, allowing students to acquire technical skills alongside their standard academic education.

On December 4, senior officials from both departments convened to deliberate on the structure, eligibility criteria, and feasibility of the initiative. As part of the preliminary plan, the Employment and Training Department has recommended the selection of ten government schools to serve as pilot institutions for implementing School-ITIs.

While a final decision on the rollout remains pending, preparatory measures have commenced to evaluate the suitability of infrastructure and locations. Following the discussions, Chief Educational Officers (CEOs) in designated districts have been tasked with compiling a list of government high and higher secondary schools that could effectively host the project.

The CEOs have been given a week to submit this list after assessing local requirements and available facilities. Specific conditions must be met for schools to qualify for hosting a School-ITI.

Each school must possess a minimum of half an acre of land on its premises. There should also be provisions to convert unused or underutilized laboratories and buildings into ITI workshops and training classrooms.

Another critical criterion is the lack of vocational training centers in the nearby area. Schools situated close to industrial zones will be prioritized, as this proximity is expected to enhance practical exposure, strengthen industry connections, and improve job prospects for students upon completing their training.

Currently, ITIs in Tamil Nadu provide a diverse array of technical and vocational courses for students who have completed Classes 10 or 12, covering various trades across the manufacturing, electrical, mechanical, and service sectors.

The School Education Department has already initiated steps to fortify vocational education by restructuring the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 starting from the 2021-22 academic year, with a focus on employability. If the pilot phase receives approval and is extended statewide, the School-ITI model could radically transform school education by integrating job-oriented training at the grassroots level, paving the way for early career opportunities for students and bolstering Tamil Nadu’s skilled workforce ecosystem.