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TIRUCHI: Having met with considerable success in its experiment of imparting practical training for school dropouts in welding, fitting, machining and electrical works in fabrication industries through an MoU, and placing them in gainful employment, the Periyar Maniammai University (PMU) has now fine-tuned the programme further for better results.

The PMU has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Small Industries’ Association, the Indian Welding Society, and the Confederation of Indian Industry, Tiruchi Zone, to rope in 100 youths from rural parts of the delta districts for the training programme with a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,500. Of them, 34 who completed the programme were absorbed by reputed industries, including Chennai-based ones.

During the selection process, the display of confidence by the trainees was amazing, said G. Pattabhiraman, Managing Director, G.B. Engineering Industries, where a section of the youths underwent the on-the-job training. The confidence stemmed from the combination of the practical exposure in industries and soft-skills training imparted by the university, Mr. Pattabhiraman observed.

Towards making the initiative a total success, the university has chosen only those with the right aptitude this time around. After tight scrutiny, the university has identified 38 candidates for the hands-on training programme. Seventy five more applications are under consideration, Vice-Chancellor N. Ramachandran told The Hindu.

Besides imparting theoretical training, the university equips them with certificates, enhancing prospects for employment as also self-esteem of the youths, thereby diverting their energy towards a productive purpose.

These candidates are also given the option to work in the industries where they undergo training. As far as the industries are concerned, they expect the MoU to generate higher volumes of trained workforce in the years to come since skilled workers after gaining considerable experience seek to migrate to greener pastures in the Middle-East countries.