Ericsson and the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) have opened a Centre of Excellence at Government ITI Govandi in Mumbai to train young people in 5G and other emerging technologies.
Around 300 students are expected to undergo training at the centre in its first year. The programme will cover 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), telecom product-line assembly and handheld-device repair, with practical training aimed at preparing participants for employment in the telecom and technology sectors.
The initiative comes as the expansion of 5G networks and adoption of connected technologies create demand for workers who can deploy, operate and maintain telecom infrastructure. The continued growth of mobile-device usage is also generating demand for skills in assembly and repair.
The centre will use industry-approved curricula and technology-enabled laboratories to provide hands-on training, with a particular focus on young people from underserved communities. Ericsson and TSSC also plan to facilitate job placements for students who successfully complete the courses.
“The Centre of Excellence seeks to meet the growing industry need for skilled professionals on 5G and related technologies by providing advanced infrastructure, high-end skill laboratories and industry-aligned training programmes,” said Randeep Raina, head of customer unit, Vodafone Idea, Ericsson.
Lt Gen Kulbhushan H Gawas (retd), chief executive officer, Telecom Sector Skill Council, said the programme is intended to narrow the gap between classroom education and changing industry requirements while improving participants’ access to employment opportunities.
The Centre of Excellence is located at Government ITI Govandi in Mumbai and forms part of Ericsson and TSSC’s efforts to develop a larger pool of workers with skills relevant to India’s expanding telecom and technology ecosystem.