Kerala and German firms ink pacts for youth-related technology and skill development upgrade

In a landmark development, the Kerala Academy of Skills Excellence (KASE) inked new partnership agreements with four leading German organizations here to ensure that the world's best technical training is made available to young job aspirants in Kerala.

KASE is the apex body under the Government of Kerala that facilitates and coordinates all skill development initiatives in the state.

Tuesday's agreement-signing ceremony came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a three-day visit to Germany, where he pitched for the government's Make in India initiative at the annual Hannover Messe.,

KASE has agreed to collaborate with global industrial giants FESTO, Siemens and TUV Rheinland, while Senior Experten Service (SES) will implement their internationally acknowledged training models in the state as part of its International Skill Training and Employability Scheme (iSTEP).

Amemorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between KASE and the SES Project Coordinator in Asia, in the presence of Kerala Minister for Labour and Skills Shibu Baby John and the Bengaluru-based German Consul General Jorn Rohde here on Tuesday.

It was the first time in India that a state government has entered into a partnership with the SES, which is a non-profit foundation of the German industry for international cooperation.

Thematic presentations by top German business officials were also made on the occasion.