Boeing, Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW), and Learning Links Foundation launched an “Aerospace Tool Design and Manufacturing” programme here on Friday for 32 candidates.
The trainees, who are diploma holders, will undergo six months classroom sessions at the GKD Institute for Technological Resources and six months on-the-job training at the Advanced Technology Centre of LMW, according to a press release. Called the “Learn and Earn” programme, the curriculum for it will include classroom sessions, hands-on training, and lectures and the course is designed by Learning Links. The candidates will receive a stipend throughout the course. Boeing has partnered with LMW and Learning Links Foundation to enhance the employability and bridge the skill gap in the aerospace sector.
Speaking at the inaugural, Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development S.P. Velumani, said that when components are made here for the Defence sector, more job opportunities will be generated. The State Government is taking several steps to develop infrastructure here to support the growth.
The Defence Corridor, which covers Coimbatore, is expected to attract more than ₹3,000 crore investment. The Minister also suggested that such skill training programmes can be organised for members of the women self-help groups too. Coimbatore should attract more investments, he said.
According to M.C. Sampath, Minister for Industries, Tamil Nadu announced an Aerospace Policy at the Global Investors Meet held in January this year and has a Defence Corridor.
The advantage that Tamil Nadu has is in human resources. About 30 % of engineers working worldwide in the aerospace sector are from Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore has the potential to become a hub for aerospace sector, he said.
Industries Secretary N. Muruganandam said the State is pro-active on the industrial front and is one of the preferred destinations for investors in Asia. Coimbatore has the scope to become a global hub in the aerospace sector.
“We need skill sets specific to this sector.” Tamil Nadu is a Defence industrial corridor and Coimbatore is an important part of it. Such training programmes in the aerospace sector should be taken to other parts of the State too.
Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman and Managing Director of LMW, said the training programme is a ground-breaking initiative. The State has excelled in the manufacturing sector and Chennai is an automobile hub. Other parts of the State have excelled in various sectors. Ashwani Bhargava, Director of Supply Chain Management, Boeing India, said Boeing has done three such training programmes earlier and the trainees are placed across the country.
According to Sudeep Dube, Associate Partner of Learning Links Foundation, the curriculum for the programme is exhaustive and it improves the employability of the youth. The industry will also get skilled manpower, he added.
