Chennai, Aug 30 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as new trades in 50 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), as part of a five-year plan to modernise vocational education and improve students’ employment prospects.

The initiative, announced in the Revised Budget for 2026-27, will be implemented in phases at a total cost of Rs 10 crore.

Ten government ITIs will begin offering the courses every year, enabling the programme to cover 50 institutions by the end of the fifth year. Around 24,000 students are expected to benefit from the new courses during the implementation period.

The government believes the programme will provide ITI students with foundational knowledge and practical exposure to emerging technologies that are rapidly reshaping the employment market.

AI and ML are increasingly being deployed in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, banking, education and several other sectors. Their growing use has created demand for workers who understand automated systems, data-driven processes and technology-enabled industrial operations.

Officials said the Directorate of Employment and Training, functioning under the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, has begun preparing the curriculum for the proposed trades.

The directorate is also assessing the infrastructure, equipment, laboratories, teaching resources and other facilities required to roll out the programme. Efforts are underway to identify the first 10 government ITIs where the courses can be introduced during the current academic year. The institutions will be selected after examining their existing facilities, availability of instructors and proximity to industries offering relevant employment opportunities.

The department is also planning to work with industrial establishments and technology firms while designing and delivering the courses. Such collaboration is expected to ensure the training reflects current industry requirements and gives students skills which can be applied in the workplace.

Industry participation could also help provide practical sessions, internships, exposure visits and guidance from professionals working in technology-intensive sectors.

The government has been expanding and upgrading skill-development programmes in response to changes in industrial production and recruitment patterns.

The introduction of AI and ML trades is expected to complement conventional ITI courses and prepare students for technology-driven roles. Officials said further guidelines covering admissions, course duration, faculty training and certification would be finalised before the first batch begins classes.

–IANS

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