Using a Public-Private partnership model, Gujarat is set to add three ITIs; one each in Ahmedabad,Vadodara and Surat.

Taking advantage of a skill development scheme rolled out by the state government two months ago, print firms in Gujarat are eager to offer “on-the-job training” in skills required in the printing industry at their respective plants.

The first ITI will start in Ahmedabad by July this year at Surya Offset, while two more printing firms have come forward to float similar ITI centres in Vadodara and Surat.

While announcing the ITI initiative, Mudresh Purohit, president of Printing Press Association of Ahmedabad and owner of Surya Offset said, “The printing and packaging industry is worth Rs 4,500-crore in Gujarat and growing at a rate of 35%. There is an increased need for skilled workers as the industry expands. Hence, many firms in the state, including my own will be looking at offering ‘on demand ITIs’,”

A plan is in place to train at least 45 people in the first phase over two years duration, in partnership with the state government; after which they will receive certificates. Both semi-educated and illiterate people looking at employment opportunities in the industry will be eligible to apply for training in these ITIs.