Aims to create work force for the laminate industry.
Faced with the shortage of skilled workforce, the laminate manufactures have decided to generate skilled manpower on its own. As a part of this, the industry body, Indian Laminate Manufacturers' Association (ILMA) will roll out a specially designed certificate course for the industry participants.
ILMA, in association with the directorate of employment and training of Gujarat government and Ahmedabad-based LD Engineering college will start the first batch of the 2.5 month long course from June 23, 2011.
"The course is aimed at preparing labourers, supervisors and operators so as to meet the requirements of the laminate industry. From ILMA, we will be contributing a fund of Rs 5000 per student for the course. Going forward, this will enhance the skill-set among the work force and improve the operations of the industry," said Krupesh Thakkar, president, ILMA.
"The course will provide us skilled workforce and promise assured jobs to the students. This way it serves both the purposes," added Thakkar. The course includes training for quality up gradation, maximum utilisation of capacities and latest trends in the laminate manufacturing. Students from across the country are expected to take part in the training.
"The instructions will be a mix of theory and practical classes with factory visit. The first batch will consist of 50 students, while at a later stage we may also start the second batch," said Jikesh Thakkar, secretary, ILMA.
The domestic laminate industry is facing stiff competition in the global markets. The technology up gradation and skilled work force is expected to improve the industry's positioning in the international market.
"We export nearly 20 per cent of our annual total turnover of Rs 4,000 crore. The key destinations are European Union, Latin America and Far East countries. However, the industry has been growing at a robust growth rate of about 15 per cent year-on-year," Thakkar added.
Major consumers of laminate products are real estate and furniture industry. Gujarat contributes nearly 50 per cent to the total turnover of the industry in the country.
In order to spread awareness about the need of technological up gradation among the industry participants, ILMA had organised an International Technical Conference on Laminates earlier this year. The conference was aimed at promoting modern technologies, equipment, materials and modern tools for the development of laminates industry and reinforcement of direct global business contacts between international and domestic stake holders of laminate industry of the world.
