In a first, J&K will send a team of skilled candidates for participation in the regional skill competition under World Skills India, which is an initiative of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.World Skills India initiative has been leading the country's participation at World Skills International competitions since 2011 and is responsible for selection, development, management and participation of Team India in World Skills International Competitions. With its secretariat in Netherlands, World Skills organises the world championships of vocational skills every two years in different parts of the world.Under India Skills Competition-J&K 2018, JK State Skill Development Mission (JKSSDM), apart from providing training to the candidates, will be organizing cluster level and state level skill competitions in the month of February and March, 2018 respectively. Shortlisted candidates from the state level competition will participate in regional and national level skill competition to be held in April-May and June- July, 2018 respectively. The winners of the national level skill competition will be further trained and mentored for competing at World Skills Competition which is to be held at Kazan, Russia in 2019.
Appreciating the efforts of JKSSDM in providing exposure, guidance and opportunities to the youth to take part in skill competitions, Minister for IT, Technical Education, Youth Services & Sports Molvi Imran Raza Ansari said, “The participation of the youth will provide them much needed platform and opportunity to exhibit their skill at different levels. By demonstrating their skills at local, national and international level, our youth will confirm that they are capable and equally skilled to compete at any platform.” “Our youth have potential to bring home laurels and all they require is proper exposure and guidance. JKSSDM will provide them training and guidance to exhibit their skill and compete at various platforms outside the state,” added the Minister.
Pertinently, any skilled person below the age of 21 years can participate in the competitions and online registration process has been initiated. Candidates fulfilling the criteria can apply online through JKSSDM’s website www.jkssdm.org besides aspirants can also obtain information about the competition and its requirements from different academic institutions of the state.Mission Director, JKSSDM Dr. Peer G.N. Suhail said, “JKSSDM has already conducted a preliminary exercise pertaining to the skill competitions and based on the local expertise and infrastructure available, it has shortlisted 12 skill trades from the 52 skill trades prescribed for the competition so that quality participation of candidates in the competition is ensured.”At the most recent event, World Skills Competition, 2017 held at Abu Dhabi, there were competitions in 51 skills areas with close to 1,300 young people taking part and India bagged one silver and bronze medal along with 11 medallions of excellence.