Karnataka to hold skill summit, revamp industry cell to boost job opportunities for youth

Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department (SDEL), is planning to organise ‘Karnataka Skill Connect Summit’ on February 6 and 7, 2025.

The Karnataka government has decided to host a skill summit and also overhaul its industry collaboration cell to make the youth job-ready by aligning their training with the demand of businesses at home and abroad.

The move follows the government’s decision to shelve a bill proposing reservations for locals in the private sector in the face of industry opposition. Later, the cabinet approved the Nipuna Karnataka programme, an initiative aimed at “enhancing the global competitiveness” of local youth.

The Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department (SDEL), is planning Karnataka Skill Connect Summit on February 6 and 7.

“The summit will focus on promoting vocational training, addressing sector-specific skill needs, creating industry-academia partnerships, and encouraging youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship,” KSDC managing director M Kanagavalli told Moneycontrol .

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The summit is being designed to encourage skill development and align workforce with the demands of the national and global job markets.  It aims to bridge the gap between the job market and vocational education while positioning Karnataka as a hub for skilled professionals.

Also read: After backlash, Karnataka puts job quota-for-locals bill on hold

This will be the second such summit by the Karnataka government after the Bengaluru Skill Conclave in 2019 alongside the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

KSDC recently invited a tender to select an event curation and management agency for the summit.

Industry collaboration cell to be revamped

The government plans to replace the Industry Linkage Cell with an Industry Collaboration Cell (ILC) to strengthen ties between businesses and the government.

“The revamped ILC will implement demand-driven skill development programmes under a Project Management Unit (PMU). This is being designed to ensure sustainable, industry-led training programmes supported by CSR funds,” Kanagavalli said.

Also read: Karnataka govt will provide industry-ready skills for locals, no need for businesses to panic: IT minister Priyank Kharge

ILC will focus on bridging skill gaps and aligning training with the evolving needs of industries. The cell plans to engage rural areas, connect candidates through portals like kaushalkar.com and skillconnect.com, and collaborate with academic institutions to develop sector-specific curricula. “Strategic initiatives such as organising workshops, forming advisory committees for priority sectors, and publishing industry trend reports will ensure these programmes are relevant and effective,” an official added.

Also read: Karnataka's 100 engineering colleges to be linked with 100 tech companies to make students industry-ready: Priyank Kharge

New language labs in German and Japanese

There are plans to establish German and Japanese language labs to enhance the language proficiency of students preparing for overseas education and jobs. "We have set up eight English language labs at universities in Tumakuru, Raichur, Davangere, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru as part of the Kalike Jothege Kaushalya (KJK) programme to improve students’ communication skills. This is the first time we are setting up foreign language labs,” said Kanagavalli.

Also read: Nipuna Karnataka: State to partner with tech companies to train youth in emerging technology

KSDC will oversee the project. The labs will be equipped with modern infrastructure, digital learning content, and a blended teaching approach. "The labs will later be handed over to the respective institutions, which will provide long-term trainer support to ensure the program's sustainability", the officer said.