India's carpentry sector, deeply rooted in tradition, is facing a critical juncture. While this rich heritage has been passed down through generations, it struggles to keep pace with evolving market demands and a growing gap in formal skill development. Traditional craftsmanship now faces the risk of being lost to time. Recognizing these challenges, Hettich India launched the Hettich Poddar WoodWorking Institute (HPWWI), a CSR initiative aimed at preserving the craft while equipping individuals with contemporary skills. By offering government-certified courses, hands-on experience with modern tools, and a focus on sustainable practices, HPWWI aims to bridge skill gaps and create meaningful career opportunities. With over 500 graduates already placed in the industry, the impact is undeniable.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Amit Prasad, Director, HPWWI, shares insights into the institute’s mission, its impact on the carpentry sector, and how it is empowering individuals to build successful careers. From enhancing employability to fostering entrepreneurship, he discusses the initiative’s role in shaping the future of vocational training in India.
Join us as we explore how HPWWI is not just building furniture, but building futures.
Q&A
Q. HPWWI is described as a transformative CSR initiative for India’s carpentry sector. Could you share the inspiration and vision behind establishing the Institute? How does this align with Hettich India’s overall CSR philosophy?
A. The Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute (HPWWI) was conceived as a transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at uplifting India's carpentry and woodworking sector.
The inspiration and vision behind establishing HPWWI stemmed from the need to address two pressing challenges in the carpentry field: the lack of formal training for carpenters and the shortage of skilled professionals. By providing state-of-the-art training and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, HPWWI aims to enhance craftsmanship standards, foster entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between traditional skills and industry demands. They sought to create an institution that could act as a catalyst for change. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Hettich India’s overall CSR philosophy, which focuses on building long-term social impact through skill development, education, and employment opportunities.
Q. What were the major challenges in India’s carpentry and furniture fittings industry that HPWWI set out to address? How has the initiative worked to bridge skill gaps and enhance employability in this sector?
A. The Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute (HPWWI) was established to tackle critical challenges in India’s carpentry and furniture fittings industry. Traditionally, carpentry relied on generational learning, leading to inconsistent skills and limited exposure to modern tools and global standards. The industry faces a growing skills gap, outdated techniques, low social perception of the profession, and financial constraints that hinder innovation. HPWWI addresses these by providing structured, government-certified training programs that blend practical and theoretical learning.
With practical, hands-on learning with state-of-the-art tools, modern machinery, and expert faculty, the institute equips participants with the skills needed to meet industry demands. HPWWI seeks to elevate the perception of carpentry as a respected profession and foster entrepreneurship, thus addressing both social and economic aspects of the industry’s challenges.
Q. Vocational training is often considered less appealing in India compared to academic routes. How does HPWWI’s government-certified training model stand out? Can you share key elements of the curriculum that make it unique and effective?
A. HPWWI’s training model stands out because it offers a practical, industry-oriented, and government-certified program, adding credibility to the qualification. The curriculum transforms individuals into skilled professionals ready to meet the industry demands of modern woodworking and furniture manufacturing. The government-certified training model emphasizes hands-on training, exposure to cutting-edge tools and materials, and modules on soft skills and entrepreneurship. The success of its graduates and the quality of training challenge societal stereotypes about vocational education, making it an appealing alternative to academic routes. The curriculum is tailored to the Indian carpentry market, adhering to international quality standards, making it both practical and impactful.
Q. In a rapidly evolving industry, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. How does HPWWI integrate modern tools and techniques, such as digital training modules or advanced machinery, to ensure its graduates are future-ready?
A. HPWWI ensures its graduates are future-ready by integrating modern tools, techniques, and industry-relevant training into its woodworking and carpentry courses. A key focus is on modular kitchens, a rapidly growing industry segment. Students are trained in designing, constructing, and installing modular kitchen units, equipping them with practical skills aligned with current market demands. To further enhance their learning experience, HPWWI collaborates with companies that donate advanced machinery, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge practices, HPWWI provides a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Q. The initiative has trained and certified over 500 carpenters, many of whom have secured competitive roles in the industry. Could you share a few success stories that particularly stand out and demonstrate the Institute’s impact?
A. The HPWWI initiative has transformed the lives of over 500 carpenters, primarily youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, by equipping them with valuable skills and connecting them to industry opportunities. Each graduate represents a unique success story, showcasing the institute’s holistic approach to empowerment—providing not just technical training but also pathways to meaningful employment.
Q. Transformative initiatives like HPWWI often rely on strong partnerships. How has collaboration with government bodies, industry leaders, and local communities contributed to the Institute’s success? Are there plans to forge new partnerships to expand the impact further?
A. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of HPWWI’s success, enabling it to create a significant impact in the woodworking and carpentry industry. The institute’s elite status under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) highlights its alignment with government initiatives focused on skill development and employment generation.
Partnerships with industry leaders play a pivotal role as well. Leading companies contribute advanced woodworking appliances, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. We have also started adopting ITI strategically across the country to reach out to more candidates than ever.
These collaborations ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with industry standards and that graduates are job-ready.
Q.With sustainability becoming a priority, how does HPWWI incorporate sustainable practices in its training programs? Additionally, beyond training individuals for employment, does the Institute have plans to foster entrepreneurship in the carpentry sector, empowering graduates to start their own businesses or become independent contractors? How do these efforts prepare graduates for a more sustainable and self-reliant future in the industry?
A. Hettich Poddar Woodworking Institute (HPWWI) is leading the charge in making sustainability an essential part of its training programs. By teaching students to work with eco-friendly materials like engineered wood, bamboo, and recycled composites, HPWWI ensures its graduates are prepared for the growing demand for environmentally conscious furniture. The institute emphasizes practices like optimizing material usage, using non-toxic finishes, and adopting energy-efficient machine operations. Additionally, students are introduced to global sustainability standards and trained in modular furniture design, aligning their skills with circular economy principles. With workshops designed to promote waste segregation and recycling, HPWWI is shaping a generation of carpenters who can balance craftsmanship with environmental stewardship.
Beyond creating skilled professionals, HPWWI empowers its graduates to become entrepreneurs who drive change in the industry. The institute offers business management and project planning training, provides toolkits and affordable machinery to kickstart ventures, and connects graduates with architects, interior designers, and contractors to help them establish their market presence.
Partnerships with e-commerce platforms and local markets further enable graduates to showcase and sell their creations. By blending sustainability with entrepreneurship, HPWWI equips its students with the skills, resources, and networks to thrive as independent professionals while contributing to a greener, self-reliant future for the woodworking and carpentry industry.
Q. You’ve mentioned ambitious goals of training 1,000 students by 2030 and adopting additional ITIs. What strategies and partnerships are in place to scale the initiative, and what challenges do you anticipate in this expansion?
A. Our goal is to adopt 10 ITIs by 2025 and train 1,000 students through a blend of short-term and long-term courses to meet India’s increasing demand for skilled carpenters.
To accomplish this, we will focus on expanding through strategic partnerships with ITIs, industry associations, government bodies, industry leaders, and educational institutions. Utilizing digital platforms for training will also enable us to reach a broader audience. While challenges such as resource limitations and regional disparities may arise, we are confident that a well-defined roadmap and a collaborative approach will help us overcome them.
Q. In your opinion, how can India’s vocational education system evolve to meet the demands of modern industries like furniture and carpentry? What policy or systemic changes would you advocate to support such growth?
A. India’s vocational education system must evolve by integrating industry-relevant skills and modern technologies to meet the demands of sectors like furniture and carpentry. Initiatives like Hettich’s HPWWI exemplify how skilling programs can bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern needs, ensuring workers are job-ready. By embedding modular kitchen fitting, advanced tool handling, and placement in the industry, vocational programs can align with real-world requirements. Public-private partnerships, financial incentives for training providers, and nationally recognized certifications would further strengthen these efforts and boost employability.
Combining vocational training with traditional education can create a holistic learning experience that prepares graduates for the real world. Introducing skill-based courses at the high school and undergraduate levels ensures students gain practical expertise alongside theoretical knowledge.
Q. As the visionary behind HPWWI, what legacy do you hope to leave in the carpentry and vocational training sectors? How do you measure personal success in driving such impactful initiatives?
A. HPWWI is reshaping the vocational training landscape within the furniture fittings and OEM industry, equipping students with the skills needed to become industry-ready. Success for me is measured by the stories of individuals who, through HPWWI, have achieved financial independence and professional pride. Our impact lies not just in numbers but in the lives we’ve changed and the dignity we’ve restored to this essential craft.