**Executive Summary**
On April 28, 2026, the Secretary of the Ministry of Steel inaugurated skill development training courses at the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) to enhance employability for ITI students and shop floor employees. The initiative addresses a shortage of skilled manpower necessary to meet India’s projected steel production capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030. Key actions include industry associations sponsoring courses through MoUs and a shift toward practical, industry-aligned residential training.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Program Objectives and Training Focus**
* The initiative aims to empower ITI students and secondary steel sector employees with industry-relevant skills to improve employability.
* Training will shift from theoretical learning to practical, hands-on instruction to better meet current industry demands.
* NISST is set to evolve into a residential institute, expanding its reach to trainees nationwide rather than focusing solely on local manpower.
**Sector Growth and Employment Projections**
* Steel production capacity is expected to rise from 200 million tonnes to approximately 300 million tonnes by 2030.
* The Ministry estimates that every 1 million tonnes of steel production requires 1,500 to 2,000 workers.
* The projected growth of an additional 80 million tonnes offers substantial potential for job creation if the skilled manpower shortage is addressed.
**Sustainability and Industry Collaboration**
* Four industry entities were awarded Green Steel Certifications for adopting environmentally sustainable practices and progressing toward green steel production.
* Industry associations are encouraged to partner with NISST to support industrial growth and innovation through a skilled workforce.
**Impact Analysis**
**ITI Students and Shop Floor Employees**
**Impact**
They gain access to specialized practical training that enhances their industry readiness and employability within the growing secondary steel sector.
**Action Required**
Participate in the newly inaugurated skill development courses at NISST.
**Industry Associations**
**Impact**
They serve as vital partners in bridging the skill gap and fostering a workforce tailored to their specific operational needs.
**Action Required**
Sponsor at least one course for students and employees under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NISST.
**National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST)**
**Impact**
The institute is transitioning into a national residential hub for steel sector training, increasing its scale and responsibility.
**Action Required**
Develop and implement practical training modules and facilitate residential facilities for trainees from across India.
**Secondary Steel Industry Entities**
**Impact**
Entities are recognized for sustainable growth through Green Steel Certifications and benefit from a larger pool of skilled labor.
**Action Required**
Continue adopting environmentally sustainable practices and step forward to support training initiatives for their workforce.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Steel: The central government ministry responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the growth and development of the steel industry in India.
National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), Mandi Gobindgarh: A specialized technical institute providing skill development training, consultancy, and manpower development specifically for the secondary steel sector.
Skill Development Courses for Secondary Steel Sector: An initiative launched to enhance employability and empower ITI students and shop floor employees through industry-relevant practical training.
Sandeep Poundrik: Secretary to the Ministry of Steel who inaugurated the training programs and outlined the vision for meeting the sector's skilled manpower demands by 2030.
Green Steel Certifications: A recognition program awarded to industry entities for adopting environmentally sustainable practices and progressing toward green steel production.
Ministry of Steel
Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel,
Inaugurated Skill Development Courses for
Secondary Steel Sector
Posted On: 28 APR 2026 6:18PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel inaugurated the Skill Development training
courses at National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), Mandi Gobindgarh. This
novel initiative is aimed at enhancing employability and empowering ITI students as well as shop
floor employees from secondary steel sector with industry-relevant skills. The event was attended
by Joint Secretaries and other officials of the Ministry of Steel, Industry associations and
representatives from secondary sector.
Secretary (Steel), highlighted that the steel production capacity will reach approximately from 200
to 300 million tonnes by 2030. So, there is a strong potential for job creation, explaining that if 1
million tonnes of steel production require 1,500 to 2,000 workers, then an additional 80 million
tonnes could generate substantial employment opportunities, benefiting the workforce. He pointed
out that there is a shortage of skilled manpower, which creates challenges in employment, making
skill development essential. He advised that the focus should not be limited to theoretical learning
but should shift more towards practical training to better prepare students for industry demands.The Secretary requested all associations to sponsor at least one course for ITI students and working
employees under an MoU with NISST. He concluded by stating that NISST aims to establish itself
as a residential institute for the secondary steel sector, catering to trainees from across India rather
than being limited to local manpower.
Industries have also stepped forward to support the initiative for both ITI students and industry
employees.
This initiative of the Ministry of Steel aligns with the Government’s broader vision of fostering a
skilled workforce to support industrial growth and innovation, particularly in the secondary steel
sector.
Green Steel Certifications were also awarded to four industry entities in recognition of their efforts
towards adopting environmentally sustainable practices and progressing on the path of green steel
production and sustainable growth.
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AG
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