A consultation meeting was conducted by SAFAL in association with UNDP, Karnataka with stakeholders of Department of Industrial Training & Employment (DITE) and CSR leads of Companies.

The consultation aimed to foster collaboration among key stakeholders to strengthen the ITI ecosystem in Karnataka. It identified the  challenges, leverage existing resources, integrate CSR initiatives, promote industry collaboration, enhance community engagement, and develop strategic partnerships. Hence SAFAL would like to foster collaborations with CSR initiatives and forge partnerships between DITE, and the CSR partner to provide value-added courses which will include digital & technical inputs like Mechatronics, Design software and Employability courses. The concept note is below:

1. Enhancing Value-added courses for Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)  through CSR Partnerships

Introduction: The Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Karnataka play a pivotal role in equipping youth with essential vocational skills. However, these institutes often face challenges in terms of infrastructure, curriculum, faculty training, and industry linkages. To address these issues and enhance the overall effectiveness of ITIs, we propose a collaborative partnership with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agencies.

Problem Statement 

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many ITIs lack adequate facilities, equipment, and resources to provide high-quality vocational training. 
• Curriculum Gaps: The current curricula may not align with the evolving demands of the job market, leading to skill mismatches. 
• Faculty Training: ITI faculty often require specialized training to deliver effective and up-to-date instruction. 
• Industry Linkages: Stronger connections between ITIs and industries are essential for providing students with relevant hands-on experience and job opportunities.

Proposed Solution

SAFAL is seeking collaborative partnership with CSR and foundations  to address these challenges through the following initiatives: 

1. Infrastructure Upgradation: 

• Funding: Secure CSR funds to upgrade ITI infrastructure, including laboratories, workshops, and equipment. 
• Partnerships: Collaborate with CSR agencies to identify and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions.