Bengaluru: To meet rising demand for technical education, the skill development department has announced plans to establish 10 new tool and training centres (GTTCs), at an estimated Rs 60cr each.GTTCs provides training, research and development, production, and consultancy services to support industrial growth and emerging sectors. Beginning with one in Bengaluru, GTTCs have grown to 31 across the state. The proposed additions will take the total number to 41.Official data shows admissions across seven specialised diploma courses have shown a steady rise. In 2023-24, total intake stood at 2,669 seats, with 3,100 students enrolling. Thefollowing year, intake increased to 5,390 seats, accommodating 3,687 admissions. By 2025-26, intake reached 6,050 seats, with 5,729 students enrolling. An official said the difference in intake and admissions is due to “mismatch of expectations vs curriculum, financial and personal constraints, awareness, and academic preparedness”.Over the past three years, Diploma in Tool & Die Making recorded the highest enrolment, with 5,327 students. In contrast, automation and robotics — offered across six centres — saw the lowest enrolment at 514 students.Most students are aged between 14 and 18, typically having completed Class 10 or 12. Traditional courses like diploma in tool & die makingcontinue to attract over 1,000 students annually, but newer streams like artificial intelligence and machine learning, offered in seven centres, are witnessing growing interest.
Officials attribute the rising demand to industry needs and job opportunities. An official said: “We receive many requests from constituencies for new centres since electronics fabs (Foxconn, HP), EV clusters, aerospace expansions(HAL, BEL), and MSME tooling upgrades are driving job creation. These courses offer 100% placement.”Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital, said: “With the expansion of manufacturing, semiconductor, EV, and green energy sectors, the curriculum must evolve to prepare students for tomorrow’s industries, not just today’s. Awareness campaigns and student counselling are crucial to ensure students understand opportunities, which will enhance employment prospects. Faculty engagement, and updated curricula will help build a skilled, ready workforce.”Nikita Bengani, director, Youth Program at Quest Alliance, said: “Awareness and accessibility remain key barriers, especially for disadvantaged youth who are often unaware of career opportunities technical training offers. Distance, living costs, and lack of hostel or transport facilities also discourage enrolment, while safety and family confidence influence young women’s participation. Skilled trainers, effective mentorship, and modern learning environments are also crucial to keeping students engaged and ensuring successful outcomes.”Besides AI-driven robotics and human-machine interfaces, the department plans to introduce courses in chip testing, photonics assembly, and smart factory operations. Plans are also underway to boost admissions through industry collaborations, scholarships, and student support schemes.
