New Delhi, Dec 14, 2024: The Gujarat Knowledge Society and Edunet Foundation have launched a program to equip Gujarat’s youth with future-ready skills. Supported by Shell India, the Skills4Future initiative aims to transform technical education in Gujarat by addressing critical skills gaps and equipping engineering students with expertise in cutting-edge technologies essential for driving the industry 4.0 revolution. The program aims to train 10,000 students in primary skills and 2,500 students in advanced technologies annually.
As part of this initiative, Digital and Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Labs will be established in select engineering colleges. These labs, supported by Shell India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, will serve as centers for experiential learning, hosting hackathons, innovation contests, and advanced training sessions. The program's curriculum, aligned with the Gujarat Knowledge Society’s credit-based framework, includes a 50-hour Foundation Course and a 160-hour Advanced Course, with a strong emphasis on hands-on applications in AI, sustainability, and cleaner technologies.
Simultaneously, the program focuses on strengthening the overall learning ecosystem through in-person faculty development workshops led by industry experts. These workshops will enable educators to deliver world-class, industry-aligned training, further amplifying the program’s impact. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and employability, this collaboration will play a pivotal role in transforming technical education in the state.
Bannchha Nidhi Pani (IAS), Commissioner of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Knowledge Society, said, “Our collaboration with Shell and Edunet Foundation marks a milestone in bridging education on Artificial Intelligence with Green skills which is very important aspect for today’s generation by providing employability. By integrating industry expertise and hands-on training, this program ensures that our students are prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving tech-driven world.”
Rahul Singh, Managing Director, Shell Energy India Pvt Ltd, added, “Our partnership with the Gujarat Knowledge Society and Edunet Foundation underscores Shell’s commitment to equipping youth with future-ready skills such as AI and cleaner technologies. By fostering experiential learning and industry-aligned training, the Skills4Future project will empower students in Gujarat with essential employability skills to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.”
Speaking on the strategic partnership, Nagesh Singh, Executive Director - Edunet Foundation, said, “It is a matter of pride to collaborate with GKS and Shell India to execute this pioneering, future-forward program. We are empowering Gujarat’s youth to thrive in an era marked by technological innovation and sustainability. Skills4Future is not just an educational initiative but a catalyst to a positive, long-term economic and environmental impact.”
Participants will receive co-branded certificates from industry partners, enhancing their credentials. Additionally, by connecting learners with local and regional industries, government bodies, and the local start-up ecosystem, the program will create valuable placement opportunities. These connections are designed to help learners secure gainful employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Gujarat Knowledge Society (GKS) is a government initiative committed to bridging the gap between education and industry by equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and certifications. With a vision to create a qualified, job-ready workforce, GKS emphasizes outcome-based education, vocational training, and ICT-enabled skill development. Over and above, it connects students to apprenticeship and placement opportunities in diverse industries while also guiding youth toward jobs that align with their educational qualifications and equipping them with expertise through training programs. Additionally, GKS empowers working professionals to enhance their skills and stay competitive in the job market.
Edunet Foundation is a non-profit working in the area of skilling, livelihood enhancement and STEM education.
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