Mandi Gobindgarh: Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Sandeep Poundrik, inaugurated new skill development training courses at the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST). The initiative is designed to enhance employability and equip ITI students as well as shop floor employees with industry-relevant practical skills for the secondary steel sector.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Steel, industry associations, and representatives from the secondary steel industry.
Focus on Industry-Oriented Skill Development
The newly launched training programmes aim to address the growing demand for skilled manpower in the steel sector. The courses will focus on practical, hands-on training rather than only theoretical learning.
Officials said the initiative will help:
- Improve employability of ITI students
- Upgrade skills of existing steel industry workers
- Bridge the gap between industry demand and skilled workforce availability
- Strengthen India’s secondary steel manufacturing ecosystem
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Steel Sector Growth to Create Large Employment Opportunities
Speaking at the event, Secretary Sandeep Poundrik highlighted that India’s steel production capacity is expected to rise significantly, reaching 200 to 300 million tonnes by 2030.
He explained that expansion in production will generate substantial employment opportunities, stating that every 1 million tonnes of steel production typically requires 1,500 to 2,000 workers.With an additional projected expansion of 80 million tonnes, the sector is expected to create large-scale job opportunities, provided a skilled workforce is available.
Industry Urged to Support Training Initiatives
The Secretary pointed out that shortage of skilled manpower remains a key challenge for the steel sector. He urged industry associations to actively participate in skill development by:
- Sponsoring at least one training course each
- Signing MoUs with NISST
- Supporting ITI students and industry employees through structured training programs
He also suggested that NISST should evolve into a residential training institute catering to candidates from across India, rather than being limited to local trainees.
Strong Industry Participation in Skill Initiative
Industry stakeholders have extended support for the initiative, with several organisations agreeing to collaborate in training programmes for both students and workers. The Ministry stated that this collaboration between government and industry will strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and improve workforce readiness.
Green Steel Certifications Awarded
During the event, Green Steel Certifications were also awarded to four industry entities in recognition of their efforts toward:
- Adoption of environmentally sustainable practices
- Promotion of green steel production
- Contribution to sustainable industrial growth
This recognition highlights the sector’s growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Alignment with Government Skill Development Vision
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader objective of building a skilled and future-ready workforce to support industrial growth, innovation, and global competitiveness in the steel sector.
About Ministry of Steel
The Ministry of Steel, Government of India is responsible for planning and development of the iron and steel industry in the country. It focuses on enhancing production capacity, promoting sustainability, and ensuring skill development to support the growth of both primary and secondary steel sectors.
