ITI students to learn about the practical application of AI

By India Education Diary Bureau Admin Last updated Oct 27, 2024

Students at Industrial Training Institutes will now have the opportunity to explore careers with Artificial Intelligence
The blended curriculum designed in partnership with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN) aims to build awareness on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

New Delhi : As the nature of jobs has been evolving, students at Industrial Training Institutes will now have the opportunity to explore careers using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition to this students will also understand how AI is impacting jobs and industries and examine the advantages and disadvantages of AI at work.

This is part of the new 7.5-hour foundational module on Artificial Intelligence (AI), titled ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,’ has been added to the existing 120-hour Employability Skills curriculum. One of the chapters titled “Exploring careers with AI”, helps learners find career options that match their interests and qualifications using AI. The AI tools can suggest careers that match people’s interests and qualifications and can also help find new career options one might not have thought about. These tools save time by showing careers that fit one’s interests.

The module was launched on Saturday by Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, on 26th October and will be implemented in 14,681 ITIs across India starting this November. According to Mr Chaudhary, the new ‘Introduction to AI’ module opens up the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, sparking curiosity and creating awareness among ITI students about AI’s real-world possibilities. “This program is designed to show how AI can enhance everyday tasks and inspire students to explore AI technologies in greater depth,” the Minister added.

Elaborating further, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “It is fundamental for everyone to understand the real-world applications of AI since it is the future. This curriculum will lay a strong foundation in AI for a smooth school-to-work transition and help them understand the power and responsibility that comes while using it.”

Some of the other chapters in this module are : Understanding AI, How does AI work, Types of AI, What can AI do?, impact of AI on Jobs and Industries, learning with AI and using AI responsibly

The interactive lessons align with the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skills Framework, will empower learners with information on AI even before they enter the world of work. The blended learning resources have been co-designed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN)— Accenture, Cisco, J.P. Morgan and SAP Labs India , a collaborative facilitated by not-for-profit organization Quest Alliance that aims to strengthen the government ITI ecosystem.

Harish Krishnan, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer Cisco India & SAARC, CISCO said, “At Cisco, we recognize the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of work. As a company, we are committed to ensuring that ITI learners are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. By integrating AI into the curriculum, we are equipping the learners with the tools and expertise to stay ahead of industry trends so that they are well-prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. Through this initiative and partnership, we want to ensure that no one is left behind as we navigate this digital revolution together.”

Adding to that, Nikita Bengani, Director, Youth Program, Quest Alliance, said, “AI is beginning to play a vital role in today’s workforce. By helping learners understand the potential of AI in the future workplace, youngsters will pick up these essential skills early on. “AI is one of the most significant trends shaping the future of work, making it essential for every learner to understand its impact and potential. As AI becomes integral to every career, using AI itself as a tool to learn about AI offers a unique and powerful approach to education,” she said.

By the end of the course, learners would have explored AI tools to create digital content, supplement academic learning, and address various life and career questions, therefore placing them on the path of early career planning.