Radhakrishnan emphasized on the potential of Jharkhand for producing efficient apprentices of premium quality, and the role they can play in the growth of India as a nation. He also praised the efforts of the incumbent Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi for his focussed efforts towards Apprenticeship promotion and development of Skill Ecosystem across India. 

The event consisted of three panels. Our guests included, Prof. D. K. Singh (BIT, Sindri); Prof. S. Chaterjee (Vice Chancellor RKDF University), Prof. V.K. Tewari (Chairperson, BOPT), Capt. Amithabh (Head – Skill Development, Tata Steels), Ms. Dviya Nambiar (Oxford Policy Management), Mr. Akash SetIndian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi and Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDE) Jharkhand organised an Apprenticeship conclave on 3rd May 2023. The objective of this event is to promote apprenticeship schemes under the Apprenticeship Act 1961, with a focus on building a sustainable skill ecosystem in the state. This event was organised at Vivekanand Seminar Hall, IIM Ranchi. Through this event, the event organisers brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the RDSDE, District level skill and apprenticeship officers, Industries and institutions of national importance. Hon. Governor of Jharkhand graced the program with his presence. Padma Shri Ashok Bhagat was also one of the prominent guests. He stressed upon the rural and inclusive development and aspects of skilling of the Tribals in the state of Jharkhand.

Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi, spoke about the vital confluence of institutions of national importance and the coordination required among them to build and strengthen a sustained skill ecosystem for the state. He also mentioned the MGNF program, which is being anchored by IIM Ranchi for the state of Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu.

Ms. Sonal Mishra Jt. Secretary MSDE, Government of India talked about all the different schemes that the Union Government has created over the years, their impact on the ground and the discourse that the skill ecosystem is going to take in the near future. She also stressed upon attempts of convergence that are being made by the current government.  

The Director of RDSDE, Shri N. R. Aravindan emphasized the importance of apprenticeship schemes in the current times, and highlighted the role of RDSDE in promoting skill development and entrepreneurship in the state. 

Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, Shri C. P. hi, (CEO, Quest Alliance), Mr. Prashant Hota (VP (Exec.) and Group Head - CSR and Education, Jindal Steels), Mr. Rajeev Gupta (Industry Expert), Ms. Rajshree Verma (Professor, XISS), Ms. Mona Gupta (CEO, Domestic Workers’ Sector Skill Council), Mr. Narendra Deshpande, (CEO, Construction Sector Skill Council), Mr. Ravinder Singh (CEO PwD Sector Skill Council).

The first panel was headed by the academia. In that panel, the panellists talked about the updation and modification of curricula through which the skill and employability gap is to be bridged. In the second panel, the industry experts put forth their expectations from the apprentices and talked about possible ways in which inclusion of apprentices into long term mainstream workforce can be streamlined. The last panel, which consisted of the heads of different Sector Skill Councils. This panel took the discussion from the previous two in cognizance and talked about how private sector can enable government as well as the industries to bridge these gaps successfully. The event was a success in promoting apprenticeship schemes and building a sustainable skill ecosystem in Jharkhand. The stakeholders expressed their commitment to work towards achieving this goal.