Chennai, August 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Tamil Nadu government will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as new trades in 50 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under a five-year plan to modernise vocational education and enhance 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 introduce the courses every year, covering 50 institutions by the end of the fifth year. Around 24,000 students are expected to benefit from the programme during its implementation.
The government expects the new trades to provide ITI students with foundational knowledge and practical exposure to technologies increasingly being used across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, banking and education.
The Directorate of Employment and Training under the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department has begun preparing the curriculum for the proposed courses. It is also assessing the infrastructure, equipment, laboratories, teaching resources and other facilities required for their introduction.
Officials are identifying the first 10 government ITIs where the courses can be offered during the current academic year. Selection will be based on existing infrastructure, availability of instructors and proximity to industries offering employment opportunities in relevant fields.
The department also plans to collaborate with industrial establishments and technology companies to ensure the curriculum reflects current industry requirements. Such partnerships could provide students with practical training, internships, industry visits and interaction with technology professionals.
The AI and ML trades are expected to complement existing ITI programmes and prepare students for technology-driven roles involving automated systems, data-based processes and technology-enabled industrial operations.
Further guidelines covering admissions, course duration, faculty training and certification are expected to be finalised before the first batch begins classes.
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