Pune, February 5, 2024: In a collaborative effort between India and Switzerland, the Indo Swiss Centre of Excellence, Pune (ISCEP) was inaugurated, bringing cutting-edge vocational training opportunities to deserving students.
The ISCEP, envisioned and executed as a non-profit entity by the Malhotra Weikfield Foundation, has mobilized approximately ₹50 crores to bring this ambitious project to life. The Foundation itself has made a substantial contribution of over ₹19 crores, with the balance funds coming from a consortium of Swiss and Indian corporates like Sulzer, Burckhardt, Syngenta Foundation, Cotecna, and Fine Organics, showcasing a unique model of international cooperation.
Further, solidifying this Indo-Swiss partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ISCEP and the Swiss India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) at Davos, highlighting the commitment of both nations to vocational training and development.
Swiss Ambassador to India, Mr. Ralf Heckner, lauded the initiative, highlighting the mutual benefits of sharing Switzerland's renowned Vocational Education and Training (VET) policies and expertise, and the opportunities for Switzerland to learn from the Centre's innovative approaches.
ISCEP is set on a mission to "provide the skills of tomorrow to the youth of today," focusing on critical areas:
- Agriculture: Targeting small and marginal farmers, the Centre aims to revolutionize agricultural practices and double farmer incomes through training in modern techniques and entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 2018, over 1100 individuals have been trained, with an impressive success rate of 85% and annual incomes rising to ₹200,000 - ₹250,000.
- Modern Manufacturing Technologies: This segment, launched in May 2023, introduces advanced courses in Mechatronics, Smart Factory, Robotics and Automation, 3-D Printing, EV Mobility, IoT, and ML. The first cohort of 30 students is already underway in a three-year diploma program, with plans to expand to 360 students concurrently in training, along with short-term up-skilling courses for existing workers to meet industry demands.
- Underwater Domain Studies: Addressing India's gap in underwater domain expertise, ISCEP is developing a specialized curriculum aimed at capacity building in this niche area. Starting in April/May 2024, the Centre plans to train 80 to 100 students annually to fill critical roles in India's exclusive economic zone.
Mukesh Malhotra, Chairman of Weikfield Products Corporation LLP and Chief Functionary of ISCEP, emphasized the transformative power of skill development, stating, "Skill building is the future of our youth, and specific vocational training services will be a growth driver and income generator. Our youth should be motivated to take up newer skills that not only make them future-ready but also global citizens."
