NEWS
ITI Principals Meet to Shape the Future of Vocational Education
Don Bosco Technical Commission continues to be a leading force in vocational education, producing over 30,000 skilled laborers annually—making it the largest private organization in India after the government in this field. This impressive feat is achieved through the combined efforts of Don Bosco’s formal ITIs and short-term courses offered by DB Tech. To strengthen and advance this mission, the leaders from technical centers across India gathered in Mumbai for a summit from Sept 27-30th for an intense study, reflection, and strategic planning. A total of 33 participants, including 27 ITI principals and several institutional heads, attended the event.
The meeting was led by Fr. George Mathew, under the guidance of Fr. Davis, the Provincial in charge. The Mumbai Province hosted the event led by Fr Anton and Kurla team, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for all attendees.
The first two days of the summit were filled with insightful input sessions and field visits. The team had the opportunity to visit the renowned Don Bosco Technical Centre in Kurla, a recognized center of excellence that offers a diverse range of courses, strong industry tie-ups, and a disciplined, industry-aligned curriculum. This center, which serves as a model for technical education in India, provided valuable insights. The delegation also toured the Godrej production center, gaining a deeper understanding of industry operations.
Several enriching sessions were conducted, facilitated by members of the Industry Management Committee, covering topics such as current industry trends, skill gaps, and workforce readiness. Later in the day, the Wadhwani Foundation energized the gathering with a session on online learning and employability skills, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in vocational education.
Day two started with a keynote address by Fr. Savio Silveira, the Provincial of Mumbai, and Fr. Davis, the Provincial of Delhi, setting the tone for the day's discussions. Key sessions focused on the Impact of Technology on Vocational Training and the New Education Policy: Its Advantages and Challenges, providing deep insights into the future of education and its impact on vocational training.
The final day of the summit was dedicated to strategic planning, a crucial step in shaping the future of vocational education. The Commission heads from each province engaged in a thorough analysis of their operations, identifying key areas for improvement. A significant takeaway was the urgent need to strengthen formal ITIs and centralize data across centers on a unified platform. Fr. George Mathew demonstrated the ‘Boon Face’ system, underlining the importance of a strong online presence for all technical centers, an essential strategy for the future.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Davis expressed gratitude to the Mumbai Province for hosting numerous national events and applauded DB Tech for leading the coordination of TVET centers. He encouraged the Commission heads to forge stronger industry partnerships and expand production units, ensuring that Don Bosco’s skill development mission remains at the forefront of India’s workforce revolution.