Odisha Launches Five-Day Skill Development Training for Vocational Students

The Odisha government has launched a five-day skill development training programme for Class XII students and vocational lecturers of Government Vocational Higher Secondary Schools to strengthen practical skills and improve employment opportunities.

The programme, organised by the School and Mass Education Department, commenced on Monday at the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) and the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). The training will continue until October 16, with more than 170 students and lecturers participating in four vocational trades.

The training covers Audio-Visual Training (AVT), Drone Pilot (DP), Catering and Restaurant Management, with a focus on providing hands-on experience and strengthening students’ technical knowledge and vocational competencies.

Officials Highlight Importance of Vocational Education

Additional Director of the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Binita Senapati, attended the inaugural programme and appreciated the state government’s efforts to strengthen vocational education.

She emphasised that vocational education equips students with practical skills and improves their employment prospects. She expressed confidence that such initiatives would help students develop specialised competencies in their chosen fields before completing their higher secondary education.

Deputy Director Jitendra Nayak highlighted the objectives of the five-day programme and appreciated the collaboration of premier institutions such as CTTC and IHM in providing quality practical training. He also stressed the importance of encouraging more students to participate in such skill development initiatives.

K. M. Rajan, Senior Manager (Training) at CTTC, appreciated the enthusiasm of the participating students and assured the centre’s continued support in helping Odisha develop a skilled workforce.

Other officials present at the inauguration included Smitarekha Mohanty, Research Assistant at the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, along with senior representatives from CTTC and IHM.

Students from Multiple Districts Participate

The training programme is being conducted at two institutions to provide specialised practical exposure to students from different parts of Odisha.

At CTTC, students and lecturers from nine districts—Angul, Deogarh, Jajpur, Cuttack, Balasore, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Kendrapara and Puri—are participating in the programme.

Similarly, participants from Bhadrak, Koraput, Kandhamal, Khordha and Ganjam districts are attending the training at IHM.

The programme at IHM was attended by Pranab Prakash, Regional Director (Eastern Region); Sharada Ghosh, Principal; Jitendra Nayak, Deputy Director of the Directorate; and Smitarekha Mohanty, Research Assistant.

Focus on Employability and Practical Skills

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements by providing students with practical training in their chosen vocational fields.

Through collaboration with specialised training institutions, the School and Mass Education Department seeks to strengthen vocational education and prepare students for future employment opportunities.

The programme is also expected to help students acquire industry-relevant skills, build confidence and improve their readiness for the workforce after completing their higher secondary education.