Around 300 students are expected to receive training in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and other telecom-related skills during the first year of a new Centre of Excellence opened at Government ITI Govandi in Mumbai.
The centre, inaugurated by Ericsson and the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC), will provide specialised training in 5G, IoT, telecom product line assembly and handheld device repair.
The programme is aimed particularly at youth from underserved communities, with the stated objective of improving their employability and helping them access job opportunities after completing the courses.
The training comes at a time when India’s rapid expansion of 5G networks and the growing use of connected devices are increasing the need for workers with technical skills related to telecom infrastructure and equipment.
Focus on practical telecom skills
The Centre of Excellence at Government ITI Govandi will use industry-approved curricula and practical training facilities to teach students skills related to emerging telecom technologies.
The courses will cover areas ranging from the deployment and maintenance of 5G-related infrastructure to IoT applications. Students will also be trained in telecom product assembly and repairing handheld devices, skills linked to the growing use of mobile and connected devices.
According to Ericsson, demand is increasing for professionals who can design, deploy, operate and maintain next-generation technology infrastructure as 5G and IoT adoption expands.
The company also pointed to growing demand for technicians involved in telecom product assembly and mobile-device repair.
Training linked to employment
A key focus of the programme is the transition from vocational training to employment.
The organisers said the centre will seek to provide students with practical, job-oriented skills and facilitate job placements after successful completion of the courses.
Randeep Raina, Head of Customer Unit–Vodafone Idea at Ericsson, said the centre would provide advanced infrastructure, skill laboratories and industry-aligned training to address the demand for workers trained in 5G and related technologies.
Telecom Sector Skill Council CEO Lt Gen Kulbhushan H Gawas (Retd) said the programme was intended to help bridge the gap between formal education and changing industry requirements.
Addressing the skills gap
The initiative reflects a broader challenge facing the telecom sector: keeping vocational training aligned with technologies that are changing rapidly.
The expansion of 5G networks, IoT applications and connected devices requires workers with skills that go beyond traditional telecom operations. At the same time, the widespread use of smartphones and other handheld devices has created demand for technicians capable of assembling, maintaining and repairing such equipment.
By locating the centre at a government ITI and focusing on youth from underserved communities, the programme also seeks to widen access to specialised technical training.
Ericsson and TSSC said the initiative is intended to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce for India’s telecom and technology sectors.
The Centre of Excellence is located at Government ITI Govandi, Kirol, Kurla Road, Mumbai.
