Skilling for Space and Geospatial Sectors

Key Highlights:

• The Skill India Mission (SIM), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), is actively promoting skill development in space and geospatial sectors.
• Flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) impart short-term skilling, up-skilling, and apprenticeships.
• IN-SPACe under the Department of Space has introduced 11 short-term skill development courses, training over 1,000 candidates in space technology.
• Training covers emerging technologies such as GIS, spatial data management, drone technology, software development, telecommunications, and electronics.
• District Skill Committees (DSCs) and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) play a crucial role in decentralized skill planning and aligning training with industry needs.

Detailed Insights:

• The Skill India Mission aims to make Indian youth future-ready by equipping them with industry-relevant skills.
• Training under PMKVY and NAPS includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and structured on-the-job apprenticeship training.
• IN-SPACe also strengthens the capacity of Non-Government Entities (NGEs) and academia in space technology.
• DSCs formulate District Skill Development Plans (DSDPs) to identify local employment opportunities and skill demands.
• SSCs, led by industry experts, conduct skill gap studies and set competency standards to guide government interventions.
• The SANKALP-supported National Skill Gap Study by NCAER provides a data-driven framework to assess skill gaps across high-growth sectors.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) are organized to facilitate placements and apprenticeship opportunities for certified candidates.
• NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education and Training) has been established as an overarching regulator for quality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
• The Directorate General of Training (DGT) implements the Flexi MoU Scheme and Dual System of Training (DST) for industrial training of ITI students.
• PMKVY aligns new-age job roles with Industry 4.0 requirements in areas like AI/ML, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Drone Technology.
• DGT has introduced new-age/future skills courses and partnered with IT companies like IBM, CISCO, Microsoft, and AWS for technical training.
• Indian Institute of Skills (IIS), established in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, provides training with cutting-edge technology and hands-on experience.
• IN-SPACe conducts student competitions (e.g., CANSAT India, model rocketry) and offers internships to foster interest and provide opportunities in the space sector.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Skill India Mission (SIM): A government initiative to train over 40 crore people in India in various skills by 2022.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): A flagship scheme of MSDE providing skill training to Indian youth to enhance employability.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): A scheme to promote apprenticeship training and increase the engagement of apprentices in the industry.
• IN-SPACe: An autonomous agency under the Department of Space, facilitating private sector participation and skill development in space activities.
• National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET): An overarching regulator for vocational education and training, ensuring quality and standards.
• Sector Skill Councils (SSCs): Industry-led bodies that identify skill development needs, determine competency standards, and develop curricula for specific sectors.
• SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion): A World Bank-supported program aimed at improving institutional mechanisms for skill development.