Mumbai, Feb 4 (KNN) In a bid to create wider awareness about the importance of skill development amongst the youth of the country at an early age, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has joined hands with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to launch JuniorSkills, a first of its kind skill championship.

Under the partnership, SIDBI shall steer innovative business ideas.

V Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director of SIDBI who was the guest of honour at the virtual launch event said, “With JuniorSkills, we hope to create a better tomorrow for the future generations who will play a key role in the growth of our nation. This is a platform that emphasizes practical learning and encourages students to showcase their talent and gives them the opportunity to be groomed by experts to evolve as an entrepreneur. ”

The dignitaries gracing the virtual launch of event included Atul Kumar Tiwari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Manoj Ahuja, Chairman, CBSE, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director – Academic, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill & Education), CBSE and Dhanpreet Kaur, MD, NFDC.  Jaikant Singh, Senior Head State Government, Citizen Engagement and WorldSkills India, NSDC rendered vote of thanks.

JuniorSkills is an incredible opportunity for students from standard VI to XII to explore and exhibit their passion for a particular skill and receive the appropriate technical and vocational education training (TVET) to harness their passion. The championship platform aims at giving students practical insight into established and emergent skill categories, and access to industry experts who will guide them throughout JuniorSkills. The process and interactions with experts are also designed to help students make informed career choices.

The championship has been envisioned in accordance with the latest National Education Policy 2020 wherein the emphasis has been laid upon integration of vocational courses in schools. CBSE will play an important role in promoting and setting benchmarks for the skill competitions among schools affiliated with it.

The championship will be conducted at four levels - Screening, Qualifying, Pre-National and National. Amidst current COVID-19 situation, the three-level of competitions will be organized online, and the finale is proposed to be conducted on-ground in Delhi. 

SIDBI will be the skill partner to run a complete domain on Innovative Business Ideas. SIDBI shall share design study material for this particular competition and develop the various competitive rounds (four rounds) to judge the entrepreneurial zeal of these young potential entrepreneurs.

SIDBI will also reward the winners in terms of exposure visits, capacity building, laptops, etc. 

The national level skill championship will be for 10 skills which are, Web Technologies, IT Software Solution (Business), Visual Merchandising, Graphic Design, Fashion Technology, Mobile Robotics, Painting & Decorating, Solar Energy, Innovative Business Ideas and Digital Photography.