In a major step towards advancing skill development and employment in Maharashtra, the Department of Skill Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with key social organisations to upgrade 20 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. The MoU was signed on Tuesday in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The collaborative agreement involves the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (Bangalore), Schneider Electric India Foundation (Bangalore), DeAsra Foundation (Pune), and Project Mumbai (Andheri). The partnership aims to establish state-of-the-art laboratories in 20 government-run ITIs, enhance technical education for students with disabilities, and boost employment through entrepreneurship fairs focused on micro and small businesses. A tripartite MoU was specifically signed between the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, Schneider Electric India Foundation, and Sri Sri Rural Development Trust to provide cutting-edge industrial training to the youth. As part of the initiative, Schneider Electric India Foundation will modernise electrician trade workshops in the selected ITIs over the next three years. The upgrades will include the installation of solar technician labs and industrial automation labs, bringing industry-relevant training closer to students. Additionally, Schneider Electric will offer free 15-day training sessions in Bangalore, covering modern technology and soft skills for all electrical trade artisans in the state. Over the next four years, the programme is expected to benefit 9,750 trainees, equipping them with advanced skills in the fields of electrical work, industrial automation, and renewable energy. The move is expected to significantly uplift the quality of vocational education and generate fresh employment opportunities in emerging technical sectors, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.