The Odisha government has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a second campus for the World Skill Center (WSC). This global skill facility will be managed in collaboration with ITE Education Services (ITEES), a Singapore-based organization. The signing ceremony involved Usha Padhee, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Skill Development and Technical Education, and Bruce Poh, CEO of ITE Education Services Singapore, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Anu Garg, along with Alka Misra, Chairperson of the Odisha Skill Development Authority and CEO of the World Skill Center.

The upcoming second campus of the World Skill Center is set to become operational soon, offering advanced skill programs in nine contemporary fields to meet global demands. These courses encompass areas such as Hospitality Food and Beverage Operations, Digital Animation, Healthcare Assistant Training, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Aerospace Technology, Aerospace Avionics, Marine Engineering, and Nursing.

Expressing the significance of this initiative, Anu Garg highlighted that after Maharashtra, Odisha is recognized as a rapidly growing industrial hub in the country. Besides fostering a dynamic policy and industry-friendly environment, the skilled workforce has been a crucial factor in Odisha’s success. She emphasized the impact of the “Skilled In Odisha” initiative by the state government, creating a global identity for the youth of Odisha.

The World Skill Center, established by the state government in Bhubaneswar in 2021, operates as a unique skill development facility. Collaborating with ITEES, a global skill leader, it provides an advanced curriculum with a dynamic pedagogy. The second campus of the World Skill Center is expected to enhance and expand the industry-ready skill canvas driven by Odisha.

During a visit by Bruce Poh, CEO of ITEES, and other team members, they toured various laboratories at the World Skill Center and interacted with faculty members to understand how the advanced facilities contribute to honing students’ skills.

The World Skill Center, following a hub-and-spoke model that includes government skill centers across Odisha, currently offers seven advanced courses under its School of Engineering and School of Services. It aims to prepare the youth of Odisha through a ‘Finishing School’ framework, providing practical training and necessary life skills to enable them to work on various industry platforms at the national and international levels.

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