Hettich Poddar Woodworking Institute recorded a 100 per cent success rate in its first WorldSkills preparation initiative, with all six of its candidates winning medals at the regional competition held in Agra.

The institute launched its WorldSkills preparation camp recently to identify and train talent across joinery, cabinet making and carpentry trades. Sixteen candidates were initially shortlisted and underwent industry-aligned training before progressing through district and state-level rounds.

From a pool of over 700 participants across the North Zone, six HPWWI candidates advanced to the regional stage, where more than 300 participants competed between March 11 and 14.

All six participants secured podium finishes. Lucky Kumar won gold in joinery, while Lavkush secured silver and Shubham Jangra bronze in the same category. In cabinet making, Ankit Vishwakarma won gold and Rahul Jangra silver, while Junaid secured silver in carpentry.

Five of these candidates have qualified for the national competition, where they will compete for a place at the WorldSkills International event in Shanghai.

Amit Prasad, Director, HPWWI and Chief Human Resources Officer, Hettich India, stated that the achievement reflects the institute’s focus on strengthening the skilled workforce pipeline and advancing training standards in the woodworking and manufacturing ecosystem.

As a centre of excellence in woodworking training, HPWWI continues to focus on building industry-ready professionals through practical learning, supporting India’s broader skill development and manufacturing goals.