In a bid to expedite skill development and ensure that India’s talent pool is equipped with pertinent and cutting-edge skills, Kerala has embarked on a transformative journey by launching the Future Ready, Job Ready Skills programme under the next phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) for the youth of Kerala, according to an official release. 

At the heart of this initiative lies PMKVY 4.0, a pioneering programme aimed at imparting futuristic skills to approximately four lakh young individuals over the next three years. With a strategic focus on domains such as Additive Manufacturing, 3D printing AI – Data Quality Analysis, Drone Manufacturing, and Electric Vehicle Service Technician training, this initiative pledges to equip the youth with the cutting-edge skills demanded by emerging industries, the release mentioned. 

“The Narendra Modi Government is on a mission that, within the next five years, young Malayalis in Thiruvananthapuram will no longer be left out without skills. Under the leadership of PM Modi Ji, Young Indians in Kerala will be empowered with Future Ready skills. Skills, particularly future skills, have the potential to expand opportunities for young Indians,” Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state, electronics and IT, skill development and entrepreneurship, jal shakti, said.

The programme aims to offer easy access to skill training courses through colleges, universities, schools, ITIs, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras, Jan Shikshan Sansthans and other existing institutes. Additionally, over the last 9.5 years, more than 5,000 new ITIs have been established, totaling 15,000 ITIs overall and more than 28 lakh apprentices have been engaged under the National Apprenticeship programme, which witnessed the first-ever Direct Benefit Transfer in Apprenticeship, as per the release.

The event also witnessed academic and research collaborations between seven organisations and NIELIT Calicut, underscoring Kerala’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the dynamic global economy.