APSSDC signs MoU with Suzlon Energy to train youth in skill development

Vijayawada: In an innovative move to create more and better employment for the youth in the state, HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh has roped in Suzlon Energy, a green power giant, to provide skill development training. This is considered to be India's largest green skilling initiative where AP's youth will be trained in the fast-growing renewable energy sector. The Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) signed an MoU with Suzlon Energy to train 12,000 people in renewable energy project areas such as mechanical, electrical, cloud technology, civil, and licensing. Suzlon energy has also agreed to set up five skill labs in select ITIs and polytechnic colleges in the state. It would offer courses in different modules including short term (3-12 months) and long term > 12 month) to offer vocational training for youth in renewable energy. Speaking on the occasion, Lokesh said green energy is one of the major areas of focus for the state govt and they are gunning to develop a total of 7.5 lakh jobs from this sector. "Given the renewable energy push across the world, we would like AP to be a hub for green talent for the whole world. I am happy to bring Suzlon Energy on board to focus specifically on this space. The outcome of these initiatives would result in widespread job creation for the youth of Andhra Pradesh," said Lokesh. He said that given the vast experience as India's largest wind turbine manufacturer partner with over 21,000 MW of installed capacity, Suzlon Energy's presence in skill development in renewable energy sector will be a game-changer in creation of employment in new and renewable energy sector. Suzlon will conduct vocational courses and elective programs in ITI, diploma and engineering colleges according to the requirements of the wind energy sector. Skill Labs will be set up in select ITI and polytechnic colleges. Centers of Excellence (COEs) will also be set up for advanced research, innovation and hands-on training in wind energy technologies. Global certificate programmes will be introduced to support employment in the international market and Suzlon will adopt modern technologies in training programs and research labs. "Suzlon's partnership will play a key role in developing Andhra Pradesh as a hub of wind energy skills, producing global talent and positioning AP at the forefront of India's clean energy sector innovation," said Lokesh. Suzlon energy skill development integrates an end-to-end developmental and operations framework to enhance skills and capabilities in the wind energy segment. The firm itself will procure, install equipment, develop industry-contemporary curriculum, mobilize certified trainers. APSSDC will facilitate setting up of skill labs by identifying suitable institutes from wind pocket districts of AP, surrounding ITIs, polytechnics. Facilitates necessary approvals from state and Central authorities on required course content, other relevant approvals.Suzlon Energy group CEO JP Chalasani and other senior officials including advisor VB Rao, chief HRO Rajendra Mehra and Kamalini Sanyal, Lead, talent management, were also present.