NE YOUTH & SKILL DEVELOPMENT BUREAU
SURAT, JULY 16
For thousands of young engineers, a degree marks the end of education—but not necessarily the beginning of employment. As industries embrace automation, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, the demand is no longer for graduates alone, but for professionals who can seamlessly translate knowledge into performance. Addressing this crucial transition, AM/NS India and SVNIT have joined hands to create a transformative platform that promises to convert academic potential into career success, empowering Gujarat’s youth to become the skilled workforce driving India’s industrial future.
In a significant boost to Gujarat’s skill development ecosystem, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), in collaboration with Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, on Thursday launched the Employability Enhancement Program (EEP)—a pioneering one-year certification initiative designed to bridge the critical gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
- One-year Employability Enhancement Program equips aspiring engineers with future-ready industrial skills and real-world manufacturing exposure
- First batch of 80 engineering graduates and diploma holders embarks on an industry-academia journey towards rewarding careers
- AM/NS India, SVNIT and the Surat administration unite to create a robust talent pipeline for Gujarat’s manufacturing ecosystem
- Flagship initiative complements PM-SETU vision by nurturing skilled professionals for India’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape
- Programme empowers local youth with technical excellence, workplace readiness and career opportunities while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
The programme aims to develop industry-ready engineering professionals equipped with practical skills, technical expertise and workplace competencies required by India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sector.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Tejas Parmar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Surat, as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Shukla, Director, SVNIT Surat, and Ashutosh Telang, Director & Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India. Senior faculty members of SVNIT, representatives of AM/NS India, village leaders, parents and community members also participated in the event.
The inaugural batch comprises 80 young participants, including 40 engineering graduates and 40 diploma holders selected from Surat and neighbouring regions. During the year-long certification programme, participants will receive intensive training jointly delivered by SVNIT and AM/NS India, covering advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial safety, quality management systems, technical competencies, workplace discipline and professional skills essential for thriving in modern industrial environments.
The initiative assumes greater significance at a time when India’s manufacturing ambitions are accelerating. Industry estimates indicate that the country will need to create nearly 115 million jobs by 2030, while almost 63 per cent of the workforce will require reskilling or upskilling to keep pace with emerging technologies and changing industrial requirements.
Against this backdrop, the Employability Enhancement Program offers a practical model for strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and government to build a highly skilled, future-ready workforce capable of supporting Gujarat’s industrial growth and India’s economic aspirations.
Addressing the gathering, Tejas Parmar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Surat, said:
“Surat’s growth story must be powered by skilled local talent. This initiative by AM/NS India and SVNIT creates meaningful opportunities for our youth and contributes to the larger vision of a skilled and developed India.”
Highlighting the company’s commitment to inclusive development, Ashutosh Telang, Director & Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India, said:
“At AM/NS India, we believe industrial growth and community development must progress together. Through this program, we aim to enhance employability, create opportunities for local youth, and build a stronger talent pipeline for the manufacturing sector.”
Emphasising the importance of integrating academic excellence with industrial practice, Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Shukla, Director, SVNIT Surat, observed:
“This program reflects the strength of industry-academia collaboration. By combining academic excellence with real-world industrial exposure, we are preparing participants to meet the evolving needs of industry and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.”
The Employability Enhancement Program marks another milestone in AM/NS India’s sustained efforts to strengthen community development and youth empowerment through skill enhancement initiatives.
The launch follows the company’s recent selection as the Anchor Industry Partner for the Surat ITI Cluster under the Government of India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) initiative. The cluster comprises Government ITI Surat as the hub institution and Government ITIs at Hazira, Bardoli, Sachin and Surat (Women) as spoke institutes, further reinforcing industry-aligned vocational education and employability across the region.
Together, these initiatives underline AM/NS India’s long-term commitment to building a globally competitive talent ecosystem by fostering strong partnerships among industry, educational institutions and government—an approach that will not only strengthen Gujarat’s manufacturing leadership but also contribute significantly to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
