Bhubaneswar, October 6: In a major step toward building a future-ready workforce and reinforcing Odisha’s leadership in skill development and technical education, a total of 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged with various strategic partners at the 'World Skill Center' here on Tuesday in the presence of Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain.

The strategic partners are 1M1B Foundation, Calderys (France), CIEL HR Services Ltd, Cloos India (Germany), Delphi-TVS Technologies Ltd, F5 India (USA), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, iFOREST, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Pvt Ltd, OASME, Semantics, Siksha O Anusandhan University, THK India (Japan) and Utkal University.

“This collaboration will strengthen skilling, alignment with industry needs, technical education, Centres of Excellence, innovation, and employment opportunities for the State's youth. These partnerships would develop the skilled workforce required for Odisha’s expanding industrial ecosystem while providing youth with opportunities for quality training, employment, and career growth,” said Minister Swain.

These MoUs focus on high-growth sectors such as emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, green jobs, and automotive technology.

Besides, it will support Centres of Excellence while facilitating industry-led training, curriculum reform, trainer capacity building, knowledge exchange, apprenticeships, and placements. Learners will gain greater exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices, helping keep training aligned with market needs.

This partnership places special emphasis on future skills and sustainable development. It aims to prepare the youth for emerging job opportunities while driving innovation, digital transformation, and green growth. The collaboration will also expand opportunities for women and underprivileged communities in technical education and skilled employment.

Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department; Chakravarti Singh Rathore, Director, Technical Education and Training; Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO, World Skill Center; and key industry leaders were present at the event.