The Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Government of India and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) have signed a Shareholders' Agreement to upgrade four Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the Visakhapatnam cluster under PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), with an approved investment of Rs 200 crore.

The Visakhapatnam cluster's Strategic Investment Plan was the first in the country to be approved by PM-SETU's National Steering Committee.

A dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed to manage the upgrades and operations. AM/NS India will hold 51% of it, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India will hold 24.5% each.

Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication, Human Resource Development and Real-Time Governance, said: "Our priority is to ensure that Andhra Pradesh's industrial growth creates opportunities for our young people. This partnership with AM/NS India will help students at four Government ITIs gain practical skills that employers need. By improving training facilities and bringing industry expertise into technical education, we aim to strengthen their employability and help them participate in the State's growth."

Four ITIs, one hub

The project covers:

- Government ITI (Old), Kancharapalem, which will be the main training centre and will share its facilities and resources with the other three

- Government ITI (Girls), Industrial Estate, Visakhapatnam

- Government ITI, Bobbili

- Government ITI, Narsipatnam

What students will get

AM/NS India will carry out the work with its academic and technical partner, the New Age Makers' Institute of Technology (NAMTECH). The upgrades include modernised training facilities, workplace-relevant equipment, updated courses, new trades, hands-on practical training and stronger instructor training. Linking training more closely to industry requirements will make students more ready for jobs and help employers find skilled local candidates as Andhra Pradesh expands its industrial and manufacturing base.

Ashutosh Telang, Director & Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India, said: "Through this partnership, we will bring our manufacturing experience and NAMTECH's technical education expertise to four Government ITIs in the Visakhapatnam cluster. Better facilities, hands-on learning and stronger instructor training will help students build skills that employers need."