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Don Bosco ITI Principals Meet: Shaping the Future Workforce

Don Bosco Technical Commission continues to be a leading force in vocational education, producing over 30,000 skilled laborers annually—making it the largest private organization in India after the government in this field. This impressive feat is achieved through the combined efforts of Don Bosco’s formal ITIs and the short-term courses offered by Don Bosco Tech. To strengthen and advance this mission, key leaders from technical centers across India gathered in Mumbai for a three-day summit of intense study, reflection, and strategic planning.

A total of 33 participants, including 27 ITI principals and several institutional heads, attended the event. The meet was led by Fr. George Mathew, under the guidance of Fr. Davis, the Provincial in charge. The Mumbai Province hosted the event, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for all attendees.

The first two days were filled with insightful input sessions and field visits. The team visited the renowned Don Bosco Technical Centre in Kurla, a recognized center of excellence that offers a diverse range of courses, strong industry tie-ups, and a disciplined, industry-aligned curriculum. The centre serves as a model for technical education in India. The delegation also toured the Godrej production center, providing valuable exposure to industry operations.

Several enriching sessions were conducted, covering topics such as "Current Industry Trends," "Skill Gaps," and "Workforce Readiness," facilitated by members of the Industry Management Committee. Later in the day, Wadhwani Foundation energized the gathering with a session on online learning and employability skills, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in vocational education.

Day two kicked off with a keynote address by Fr. Savio Silveira, the Provincial of Mumbai, and Fr. Davis, the Provincial of Delhi, setting the tone for the day's discussions. Key sessions focused on the "Impact of Technology on Vocational Training" and the "New Education Policy: Its Advantages and Challenges," providing deep insights into the future of education and its impact on vocational training.

The final day was dedicated to strategic planning, as the Commission heads from each province engaged in a thorough analysis of their operations. A key takeaway was the urgent need to strengthen formal ITIs and centralize data across centers on a unified platform. Fr. George Mathew demonstrated the "Boon Face" system, emphasizing the importance of having a strong online presence for all technical centers.

In his closing remarks, Fr. Davis expressed gratitude to the Mumbai Province for hosting numerous national events and applauded DB Tech for leading the coordination of TVET centers. He encouraged the Commission heads to forge stronger industry partnerships and expand production units, ensuring that Don Bosco’s skill development mission remains at the forefront of India’s workforce revolution.

This gathering not only highlighted the immense impact Don Bosco has on vocational education but also laid out a robust plan to elevate technical training to new heights, ensuring that the youth of India are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow's workforce.