Team Goemkarponn
FARMAGUDI: The Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Goa, organised an Apprenticeship Mela at Farmagudi Government ITI on August 19, bringing together aspiring candidates and industry representatives to expand access to apprenticeship and career opportunities.
The Mela saw participation from more than 25 companies and establishments, offering over 450 apprenticeship vacancies across various trades and sectors.
The initiative provided candidates with an opportunity to interact directly with industry representatives, understand industry requirements and explore career pathways suited to their qualifications and skills.
The programme was attended by Akshay Shirwaikar, Principal (Senior Scale), Farmagudi Government ITI and Assistant Director (Training); Subhash Redkar, Assistant Apprenticeship Advisor; Sneha Pritesh Hazare, Assistant Director (Training), State Apprenticeship Monitoring Cell (SAMC); Sneha Harmalkar and Gajanan Naik, Group Instructors at Farmagudi Government ITI; Rosario Baptista, Surveyor; Lizetta Vaz, Industry Representative; and a representative of the apprentice candidates.
The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a welcome address by Subhash Redkar, who highlighted the importance of apprenticeship in providing practical, industry-oriented exposure to young people.
Sneha Pritesh Hazare delivered a detailed briefing on recent amendments to the apprenticeship framework, creating awareness among participating establishments and candidates about the latest provisions, developments and opportunities.
The Mela also facilitated direct interaction between candidates and participating establishments, allowing candidates to learn about available positions, industry expectations and potential career opportunities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Akshay Shirwaikar, who expressed gratitude to participating establishments, officials, staff and candidates for contributing to the successful conduct of the event.
Director Highlights Importance Of Apprenticeships
Director of the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Vinayak Kambli, said apprenticeship serves as an important bridge between ITI training and the world of work.
He highlighted that Apprenticeship Melas provide trainees with a platform to interact directly with employers, explore career opportunities and gain practical exposure to industry requirements.
Kambli also stressed the importance of active participation by industries and establishments in strengthening Goa’s apprenticeship ecosystem. He said the Directorate remains committed to building stronger industry linkages, increasing apprenticeship engagement and creating enhanced employment pathways for ITI trainees.
He encouraged establishments to engage apprentices and contribute towards developing a skilled and industry-ready workforce, while urging candidates to make full use of apprenticeship opportunities, gain practical experience and continuously upgrade their skills.
The successful organisation of the Apprenticeship Mela reflects the Directorate’s efforts to strengthen the link between skill development, industry exposure and employment, while enabling young people to make a smoother transition from training to the workplace.
