It organises qualification according to level of knowledge, skills and aptitude at par with formal education system. It is different from the concept of university under UGC. The Skills University helps to bridge the industry academia gap – NSDC has developed a unique model to integrate skill based training into the academic cycle of the Universities. A person with no formal education can also get a certificate of equivalent to formal education like upper primary or higher secondary under the framework depending on the skill and knowledge of a particular profession.  “We are in the process of drafting DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the better presentation of the dream or the Project.  It would help all our Formal and Non-Formal Technical institutes (both in INM & INT) and the trainings would be affiliated and accredited by the university,” informed Fr. Bernard.

Fr. Andrews presented the relationship and actual ground level situation between DB Tech India and projects in the Chennai Province.  He summarized thus, “The skill training program of Don Bosco Tech Society was implemented in 15 centres across the Province of Chennai in its initial stage. Due to the poor performances of the centres and delay in the release of funds and inability to meet the partners’ requirements (ITC Pvt LTD), six centres were closed. At present, there are 9 centres functioning in the Province, out of which, 7 centres viz, Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Perambur, Don Bosco Beatitudes, Vyasarpadi, Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Pondicherry, Don Bosco SAGAI, Bagalur, Don Bosco SIHARAM, Tiruvannamalai, SPMS Polur and Auxilium ITI, Tirupattur, are directly led by the Salesians. One centre is entrusted to the SMA Sisters at Madhavaram, and another to the Chenglepet diocese at Madhurantagam. Domains such as Retail Management, BPO, ISMO, ITeS, Beautician, Hospitality F&B and H&K, Electrical, Welding and DTP are offered at these centres. At present we are partnered with 5 corporates who support us by offering funds to run the centres based on the CSR ratio. Currently, there are altogether 600 students undertaking the Skill Training Program in the Province for the current batch which will end up on 15-Dec-2017.”

Fr. Ashok explained about the importance of grading for all ITI. He said, “The Government's vocational training programs are primarily managed by the ITIs (about 36% of the 7 million people getting trained in India today. About 19 lakh youths in 126 trades). Number of ITIs have grown to 13,348 including both government and private. To ensure the quality checks of these institutes, Directorate General of Training (DGT) – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) – has decided to grade the ITIs on the basis of some key parameters. The grading shall provide a ‘benchmark for comparison’ amongst the institutes.”

The National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 also emphasizes on rating of ITIs. It states that “Performance rating of ITIs will also be promoted based on outcome linked parameters and trainee/employer feedback”.

The Second Technical Education Council of Chennai Province meet was held on September 16, 2017 at Don Bosco Polytechnic College, Basin Bridge.