Karnataka Offers Land Parcel to Industries for Establishing Skill Training Labs

Full training cost to be funded by ಗವರ್ನಮೆಂಟ್

New dual apprenticeship model proposed

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, Oct 31: In a major initiative to enhance employability and promote industry-linked skill development, Karnataka announced that it will provide land to industries willing to set up skill training laboratories aimed at training and employing the state’s youth.

“The government will not only provide land but also bear the entire cost of training for industries that impart skills and ensure employment to our youth. This is our government’s firm commitment,” said Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, minister for skill development, entrepreneurship, livelihood and medical education, addressing delegates at the CII Skills Summit 2025 held here on Thursday.

Highlighting successful examples of industry collaboration, Dr. Patil referred to the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at PES University, where engineering students receive advanced hands-on training in technologies such as mechatronics, motion control, robotics, Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing achieving a 100% employment rate.

Proposing a new dual apprenticeship programme, combining academic learning with practical, on-the-job training, the minister urged industry leaders to collaborate with the government to pilot the scheme. “This initiative will serve as a model for deeper industry–academia collaboration and help bridge the growing skill gap across key sectors. Our objective is to create a workforce that is job-ready, adaptable to emerging technologies, and aligned with global standards,” Dr. Patil noted.

Expressing concern over the unemployment of engineering and ITI graduates due to lack of practical expertise, the minister said the state government is intensifying collaborations with leading global and domestic industries to build a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce.

“Karnataka is investing substantially in upgrading training infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating synergy between institutions and enterprises. Our vision is to ensure that Karnataka’s youth are not just employable, but future-ready contributors to the global economy,” Dr. Patil added.