DGT to Convene High-Level Industry Consultation to Establish National Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics and allied programmes at NSTI Kanpur Under PM-SETU

**Executive Summary** The Directorate General of Training (DGT) will host a high-level industry consultation on May 8, 2026, at NSTI Kanpur to establish a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Aeronautics & Allied Sectors. Developed under the PM-SETU scheme in collaboration with the French Republic, the center aims to create a globally competitive aerospace skills ecosystem. The consultation will bring together over thirty industry leaders to deliberate on framework roles, co-investment models, and international qualification standards. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Institutional Framework** * The NCoE is being developed under Component-II of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling & Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. * The center is one of five sector-specific NCoEs being established across India, with others located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ludhiana. * A strategic bilateral agreement between India and France provides the foundation for the Kanpur NCoE, leveraging French expertise in aircraft design, manufacturing, MRO, and avionics. * **Consultation Objectives and Agenda** * The event is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Director General of the DGT. * Participants will receive an overview of existing infrastructure and workshop facilities, including live demonstrations of current trade setups. * Key discussion topics include the roles of Lead Industry Partners (LIP), co-investment models, and curriculum co-development mechanisms. * **Strategic Goals for Workforce Development** * Establishment of instructor training pathways to ensure high teaching standards. * Focus on the international recognition of qualifications to facilitate the global mobility of trainees. * Positioning industry leaders as "architects" rather than just stakeholders to define the expertise and standards of the institution. **Impact Analysis** **Industry Leaders and CEOs** **Impact** They are positioned as primary architects of the NCoE, responsible for defining the expertise, standards, and ambition of the institution. **Action Required** Participate in the May 8th consultation to deliberate on the NCoE framework, co-investment models, and responsibilities of the Lead Industry Partner. **Directorate General of Training (DGT) / MSDE** **Impact** As the organizing bodies, they are responsible for facilitating the transition of ITIs into modern, sector-specific centers of excellence. **Action Required** Host the consultation, provide infrastructure overviews to participants, and lead discussions on curriculum and instructor training pathways. **Government of the French Republic** **Impact** Serves as a strategic bilateral partner providing globally recognized aeronautics expertise to the project. **Action Required** Collaborate with the Government of India to combine technical expertise with India's skilling infrastructure. **Trainees** **Impact** Future trainees will benefit from a world-class skills ecosystem and qualifications designed for global mobility. **Action Required** No immediate action required; impact is contingent upon the future establishment of the NCoE and its international recognition.

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