Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurates 30 advanced electrical laboratories; 40 more facilities planned to expand youth skilling in energy technology and industrial automation.
CHENNAI (India CSR): Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), the social impact arm of Schneider Electric in India, has partnered with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish 70 advanced skill training centres across Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the first 30 advanced electrical laboratories at the Government ITI, Guindy, Chennai, on 28 October 2026. The partnership is being implemented through the Directorate of Employment and Training, Government of Tamil Nadu. The first phase covers 30 laboratories across 23 districts and is expected to benefit around 9,250 trainees annually. During the inauguration, an MoU was exchanged to establish another 40 modern electrical laboratories, taking the proposed network to 70 Government ITIs and creating skilling opportunities for approximately 25,000 young people across the state.
Future-Ready Training
The initiative is focused on strengthening access to practical, industry-relevant learning in electrical systems, energy technology and industrial automation. As India’s manufacturing, infrastructure and energy sectors increasingly adopt automation, digital tools and energy-efficient operations, the need for technically competent young professionals is growing steadily.
The new laboratories are expected to offer students exposure to modern training facilities and workplace-oriented technical learning. This can help Government ITI students build practical confidence alongside theoretical knowledge and make them better prepared for jobs, apprenticeships and higher technical education. For many young people, particularly those from economically diverse backgrounds, ITIs remain a crucial route to livelihood opportunities. Upgrading their training ecosystem can therefore contribute to both employability and inclusive economic growth in Tamil Nadu.
Trainers Drive Transformation
SEIF will also conduct training programmes for faculty members across all 70 ITIs. This focus on trainer capacity is important because new infrastructure delivers meaningful results only when instructors are equipped to use it effectively and connect students with current industry practices.
Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, Managing Director and CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “We thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for inaugurating these skill centres and recognising the importance of industry-relevant skill development. Building a future-ready workforce requires strong collaboration between industry and government.”
“Through our partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu, we aim to strengthen vocational training infrastructure, build trainer capabilities and equip young people with relevant energy technology skills,” he added. The programme therefore combines facilities, faculty development and industry relevance in one skilling model.
Statewide Skills Momentum
The inauguration also reflected Tamil Nadu’s larger push to strengthen vocational education and employment readiness. At the Guindy event, Chief Minister Vijay handed over appointment orders to 673 junior training officers selected through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission for the Employment and Training Department. He also felicitated 60 ITI students who secured national first ranks in the All India Trade Test. In addition, cheques were presented to 15 winners of the 59th State-Level Skill Competition, while training kits were distributed to students in electrician and wireman trades.
These measures underline the value of a strong institutional ecosystem, where modern laboratories are supported by trained instructors, motivated learners and public recognition of technical excellence. Together, these efforts can make vocational education more aspirational, accessible and connected to employment opportunities.
Sustainable Employment Pathways
From a CSR perspective, the partnership represents a long-term capability-building intervention rather than a one-time infrastructure contribution. Schneider Electric India Foundation says it has supported more than 500 skill-building centres across 27 states and trained over 2.2 lakh young people in electricity, automation and digital fields. Its work focuses on Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Electrification and Emergency.
The Tamil Nadu initiative builds on this wider commitment while responding to the state’s industrial and workforce needs. The true impact of the 70-centre network will be seen in the quality of training, trainer readiness, student participation and eventual placement outcomes. If implemented effectively, the initiative can create a stronger bridge between ITI classrooms and the evolving needs of India’s energy, manufacturing and industrial economy.
