Mangaluru: The Karnataka government is planning to establish 20 additional Government Tool Room and Training Centres (GTTCs) across the state to strengthen skill development and improve employment opportunities for graduates, Skill Development Minister Sharan prakash R Patil said on Saturday. He made the announcement after inaugurating the new building of the Karnataka German Technical Training Institute (KGTTI), which functions under the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood through the Karnataka German Multi Skill Development Center (KGMDC) Society.
Government focuses on expanding technical training infrastructure
Speaking during the inauguration event, the minister said the expansion of GTTCs is aimed at increasing access to technical education and creating stronger employment pathways for young people.
According to Patil, GTTCs currently provide what he described as a 100 per cent job guarantee for graduates who complete the programmes. He said the institutions currently record around 2,500 admissions annually.
With the proposed addition of 20 new centres, the state expects admissions to increase significantly.
The minister stated that annual intake is expected to rise to nearly 6,000 students after the expansion. He also said the government intends to further increase admissions to around 10,000 in the coming year.
Officials believe the move will support efforts to bridge skill gaps and provide industry-relevant training opportunities across different regions of Karnataka.
Demand for skilled graduates seen in India and abroad
Explaining the government’s emphasis on GTTCs and technical institutions, Patil said the training offered through such programmes equips candidates with practical skills and improves employability.
He noted that graduates from these institutions have employment opportunities not only within the country but also internationally.
According to the minister, trained candidates are witnessing demand in countries such as Germany and Japan, where graduates are reportedly being offered engineering-related roles and technical positions.
Patil said the government views skill-based education as a key mechanism for addressing unemployment challenges and creating a workforce capable of meeting evolving industry requirements.
“Providing jobs is our motto while there is an unemployment issue across the country,” he said during the event.
Government highlights employment initiatives
The minister also referred to the state government’s Yuvanidhi scheme while discussing employment and livelihood support initiatives.
He stated that close to three lakh beneficiaries are currently covered under the programme.
Patil further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve job placement opportunities through large-scale recruitment initiatives organised across the state.
According to him, the government has already conducted mega job fairs in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kalaburagi.
He added that similar employment fairs are planned in Mangaluru and Hubballi as part of efforts to connect job seekers with employers and industries.
The minister said approximately 1.4 lakh job seekers have participated in the job fairs conducted so far.
Call for long-term industry-focused training
During the event, Patil also urged officials at KGTTI to introduce long-term programmes extending up to three years.
He indicated that such courses could provide deeper learning opportunities and align more closely with industry requirements and workforce expectations.
Longer-duration courses, according to officials, may help trainees gain specialised knowledge and practical experience before entering the job market.
MLC stresses involvement of alumni and industries
MLC Manjunath Bhandary also spoke at the programme and raised concerns regarding the organisation of the inauguration event.
He criticised officials for not inviting former students of the institution, noting that more than 10,000 students have graduated from the institute over the years.
Bhandary said involving alumni could strengthen institutional relationships and create networking opportunities for current students.
He also suggested that industrial leaders employing KGTTI graduates should have been invited, stating that such interactions could support internships, placement opportunities and collaboration between institutions and industries.
The inauguration event focused on strengthening skill development initiatives and highlighted the government’s broader plans to expand technical education and employment opportunities in the state.