Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday inaugurated advanced electrical laboratories at 30 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening vocational education and improving technical training facilities. The laboratories have been established with support from Schneider Electric India Private Limited at a total cost of ₹5.10 crore. The inauguration took place at the Government ITI campus in Guindy, Chennai, where the Chief Minister also reviewed training facilities and interacted with students pursuing technical courses. The new infrastructure is expected to benefit around 9,250 trainees every year across 23 districts by providing access to improved equipment and practical learning opportunities. The initiative is part of the state's efforts to equip students with industry-relevant skills and prepare them for employment in electrical and related technical fields.

The government also signed a memorandum of understanding with Schneider Electric India to establish modern electrical laboratories at another 40 government ITIs. The proposed expansion is estimated to cost ₹6.80 crore and will be implemented in collaboration with the Directorate of Employment and Training under Tamil Nadu's Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department. The additional laboratories are intended to extend access to modern technical training facilities to more students across the state. During the event, Vijay distributed training equipment to students enrolled in electrician and wireman trades. The facilities are expected to strengthen practical instruction by allowing trainees to work with equipment relevant to electrical installation, maintenance and other technical applications. The expansion will build on the first phase of laboratory development at 30 institutes, widening the reach of specialised vocational training within the government ITI network.

Tamil Nadu currently has 132 government Industrial Training Institutes and 277 private ITIs operating under the state's vocational training system, with approximately 67,000 students enrolled across these institutions. The new electrical laboratories are intended to improve the quality of practical instruction and help students develop skills that employers require. During his visit to the Guindy campus, the Chief Minister inspected student projects and reviewed facilities used for training in turning, welding, hydraulics and pneumatics, robotics, advanced computer numerical control machining and laser cutting. These areas form part of the technical training available to students preparing for employment in manufacturing, engineering and industrial services. The emphasis on laboratory-based learning reflects the importance of giving trainees hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction. Modern equipment can help students become familiar with workplace processes before entering employment, although the benefits will also depend on effective instruction, equipment maintenance and access to regular practical sessions.

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The event also recognised students who performed well in vocational skills competitions. Vijay distributed cheques of ₹25,000 each to 15 students who won awards at the 59th State-Level Skill Competition 2026. The competition was organised to encourage technical excellence and provide recognition to trainees demonstrating strong vocational abilities. The Chief Minister also presented certificates of appreciation to 60 students who secured national first ranks in the All India Trade Tests. According to information released by the state government, Tamil Nadu had 40 students achieve national first ranks in the previous year, when the state stood fourth in the national ranking. This year, the number increased to 60, helping Tamil Nadu move to second place nationally. The recognition was intended to encourage students to continue developing their technical expertise and highlight the role of vocational education in preparing skilled workers.

Another major announcement at the programme involved the distribution of appointment orders to 673 newly selected Junior Training Officers. The candidates were selected through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission for positions in the Employment and Training Department. Their appointments are expected to strengthen the workforce responsible for delivering vocational instruction at government training institutes. Junior Training Officers play an important role in guiding trainees through technical coursework, practical exercises and trade-specific training. The appointments come alongside the expansion of laboratory infrastructure, combining investment in facilities with additional personnel for the state's vocational education system. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on how the new officers are deployed and how well the upgraded facilities are integrated into existing training programmes.

During the visit, Vijay also met students with hearing and speech disabilities enrolled in the fitter trade at the Guindy ITI and conveyed his appreciation for their efforts. The institute has a dedicated training section for students with these disabilities. He also interacted with students undertaking specialised technical training and Japanese-language lessons after being selected for employment opportunities with Japan's Ehime Nissan company. Their training combines technical preparation with language skills intended to help them adapt to overseas workplace requirements. The inauguration of the electrical laboratories, the agreement for facilities at 40 additional institutes, student awards and the appointment of 673 Junior Training Officers formed the main elements of the programme. Together, these initiatives are intended to strengthen Tamil Nadu's vocational training network and improve students' access to technical skills relevant to employment opportunities in India and abroad.

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