Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), the social impact arm of Schneider Electric in India, has partnered with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish 70 advanced skill training centres across government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), aiming to equip young people with industry-relevant technical skills and improve their employment opportunities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the first 30 skill training centres on October 28 at the Government ITI in Guindy, Chennai. The initiative is expected to create skill development opportunities for approximately 25,000 youth across the state, with a focus on electrical technology and industrial automation.
During the inauguration ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between Schneider Electric India Foundation and the Tamil Nadu Government for setting up the remaining 40 advanced training centres. The partnership is being implemented through the Directorate of Employment and Training, Government of Tamil Nadu.
70 Advanced Skill Centres to Strengthen Technical Training
The initiative aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s vocational education infrastructure by bringing advanced training facilities to government ITIs. The centres will focus on emerging requirements in the energy technology and industrial automation sectors, helping students gain practical knowledge and technical skills relevant to today’s industries.
With 30 centres already inaugurated and another 40 planned, the programme is designed to expand access to specialised technical training across the state. By connecting vocational education with industry requirements, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the skills expected by employers.
Focus on Electrical Technology and Industrial Automation
The advanced skill centres will be equipped with modern training infrastructure to provide students with exposure to technologies used in the energy and industrial sectors. The programme will focus on developing practical capabilities in electrical systems and industrial automation, areas that are becoming increasingly important as industries adopt digital and automated technologies.
Alongside infrastructure development, Schneider Electric India Foundation will also undertake training programmes for instructors across all 70 participating ITIs. The objective is to strengthen trainers’ capabilities so they can effectively use the new facilities and deliver quality, industry-oriented technical education.
Industry-Government Partnership to Prepare a Future-Ready Workforce
Commenting on the partnership, Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, and Managing Director and CEO of Schneider Electric India, said that collaboration between industry and government is essential to building a future-ready workforce.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating the centres and recognising the importance of industry-relevant skill development. He added that the partnership aims to strengthen vocational training infrastructure, enhance trainer capabilities and equip young people with relevant energy technology skills to address the changing requirements of industries.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of collaboration between private-sector organisations and state governments in developing skilled talent. By combining modern training facilities with instructor development, the programme aims to improve the quality of vocational education and prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
With the establishment of 70 advanced skill training centres, Schneider Electric India Foundation and the Tamil Nadu Government are looking to create a stronger technical training ecosystem and support the state’s growing demand for skilled professionals in electrical technology and industrial automation.
Schneider Electric India Foundation
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology company focused on electrification, automation and digitalisation across industries, businesses and homes. Its solutions support buildings, data centres, factories, infrastructure and electricity grids through connected technologies, intelligent devices, software-driven systems and digital services. The company has approximately 160,000 employees and one million partners across more than 100 countries.
The programme is also expected to contribute to Tamil Nadu’s long-term industrial growth by creating a stronger pool of technically trained talent. As sectors such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing and industrial automation continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals is increasing. By providing students with access to modern equipment and practical training, the initiative aims to improve their job readiness and help them adapt to changing industry needs.
