… by S. Jagnnath, Senior Domain Specialist, School of Precision Manufacturing, TATA Indian Institute of Skills (Mumbai Campus)
Every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day reminds us of an important reality: education alone is not enough unless it is supported by practical skills.
During my interactions with students and industries over the last few years, I have noticed one common challenge. Many young people complete their education with the hope of getting a good job, but industries are searching for candidates who can contribute from the first day on the shop floor. This gap between education and industry expectations is where skill development becomes important.
India is currently witnessing rapid growth in manufacturing. New investments are coming into sectors such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, defence, renewable energy, medical devices, semiconductors and precision engineering. Government initiatives including Make in India, Skill India Mission, PMKVY, PLI Scheme, NAPS, PM Vishwakarma, NSDC, and the National Education Policy 2020 are creating an ecosystem that encourages manufacturing and skill development.
However, factories do not run because machines are installed. They run because trained people know how to operate, maintain and improve those machines.
Modern manufacturing requires professionals who understand CNC machining, industrial automation, robotics, CAD/CAM, quality inspection, metrology, PLC programming and preventive maintenance. These are practical skills that industries value every day.
As someone associated with technical training, I often meet students who ask a common question: “Where can I find a job?” In many cases, the better question is, “What skills should I develop to become employable?”
The manufacturing sector is not facing a shortage of opportunities. It is facing a shortage of skilled manpower.
Consider two students who complete their education at the same time. One waits for a suitable vacancy while the other spends six months learning CNC programming, industrial automation or quality inspection through structured training and apprenticeship. When both attend an interview, the student with practical exposure usually has a stronger chance because industries look for confidence, technical understanding and the ability to solve real production problems.
Skill development is not limited to engineering graduates. Students from ITIs, Polytechnics, diploma programmes and vocational institutions are also building successful careers in manufacturing. Many begin as operators or technicians and gradually grow into programmers, supervisors, production engineers, application engineers and entrepreneurs.
Institutions working closely with industry have an important responsibility in this journey. The Tata Indian Institute of Skills (Tata IIS) is one such example where students receive hands-on exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies. Training on CNC machines, industrial automation systems, robotics, digital manufacturing software and industry-standard practices helps learners understand the expectations of modern factories.
In manufacturing, practical knowledge always complements classroom learning. Reading about CNC programming is different from creating a program, proving it on a simulator and machining a component within tolerance. The confidence gained through hands-on practice cannot be replaced by theory alone.
World Youth Skills Day is therefore not only a celebration but also an opportunity for every young person to reflect on future career readiness.
Whether the chosen field is CNC machining, robotics, mechatronics, welding, quality control, industrial automation or electronics manufacturing, continuous learning has become essential. Technologies are changing rapidly, and professionals who regularly upgrade their skills remain relevant throughout their careers.
India has set an ambitious vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub under Viksit Bharat 2047. Achieving this vision will require more than infrastructure and investment. It will require a large pool of competent technicians, engineers and manufacturing professionals who can convert technology into quality products.
The future of Indian manufacturing will be shaped not only by advanced machines but also by the people who operate them with knowledge, discipline and precision.
On this World Youth Skills Day, let us encourage every student to invest time in learning a practical skill. A certificate may open the door, but competence is what builds a successful career.
India’s manufacturing journey has already begun. The next generation of skilled youth will determine how far that journey goes.
