22 April,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra government has partnered with the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to prepare diploma students for employment opportunities in Germany and Japan, with a focus on language training and industry-relevant skills.
The agreement was formalised at Mantralaya in the presence of Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil. Officials said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between technical education and international job markets by equipping students with the skills required to work abroad.
Speaking at the event, Patil underlined that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient for overseas employment. He said students must also be familiar with the language, culture and workplace expectations of the destination country.
According to the plan, training modules will include German, Japanese and Russian languages, along with orientation on international work practices. The government believes this will help students adapt more easily to foreign work environments and improve their employability.
Under the agreement, CII will act as the implementation and industry coordination partner through its Centre of Excellence on Skills. The industry body will oversee training design, facilitate partnerships with employers and guide students on skill requirements in global markets.
Officials indicated that Germany, in particular, continues to face a shortage of skilled workers in several sectors, creating opportunities for technically trained candidates from India. The programme aims to align Maharashtra's diploma education system with these emerging global demands.
MSBTE will provide the infrastructure required for the initiative, including classrooms, laboratories and institutional support. The Higher and Technical Education Department will be responsible for overall coordination, monitoring and execution of the programme.
Senior officials present at the signing included Additional Chief Secretary B. Venugopal Reddy, Director of Technical Education Vinod Mohitkar, and MSBTE Director Pramod Naik, along with representatives from CII.
The state government sees the initiative as part of a broader effort to expand international career pathways for students enrolled in technical education programmes. By combining language proficiency with practical training, the programme is expected to improve the readiness of diploma holders for overseas employment.
Officials said the success of the initiative will depend on sustained coordination between educational institutions, industry bodies and government agencies, as well as the ability to match training outcomes with real job opportunities abroad.
