The Union Territory-level IndiaSkills Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2025 competition was inaugurated on Monday at the Industrial Training Institute, Dollygunj, marking the beginning of a three-day event aimed at showcasing vocational excellence, technical competence and industry-relevant skills among youth in the Islands. The competition will continue till January 22, transforming the ITI campus into a focal point for skill development, innovation and public outreach.
The inauguration formally commenced the UT-level leg of the IndiaSkills competition, which serves as a qualifying platform for regional and national rounds, and potentially the WorldSkills competitions. The event is part of a larger national effort to strengthen vocational education and align workforce skills with evolving industry requirements.
During the inaugural programme, emphasis was placed on the role of skill-based education in driving employment generation, economic growth and the development of an industry-ready workforce. Participants were encouraged to focus on technical precision, innovation and professional discipline while competing across trades. Attention was also drawn to the growing demand for skilled human resources in key sectors with potential in the Islands, including marine-related activities, tourism and hospitality.
The objectives of the IndiaSkills and WorldSkills competitions were outlined as promoting global skill benchmarks, enhancing employability and creating pathways for youth to access national and international platforms. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ participation in the IndiaSkills journey since 2018 was highlighted as a gradual but consistent effort to integrate local youth into the national skill ecosystem.
Following the inauguration, skill competitions commenced across approximately 30 trades, with around 82 competitors participating in diverse sectors. These trades span multiple domains of vocational education and technical training, reflecting the breadth of skills required across modern industries. The performances during the competition will determine meritorious participants who may go on to represent the Union Territory at regional and national IndiaSkills competitions, with further progression possible to the WorldSkills level.
Beyond the competition itself, ITI Dollygunj has been opened to school students, parents, teachers, alumni and the general public throughout the event period as part of an outreach initiative. Visitors are able to observe live demonstrations of vocational skills, interact with trainers, trainees, assessors and competitors, and gain insight into the scope and future prospects of vocational education and training.
The event also includes Try-a-Skill and Do-It-Yourself activities designed to provide early exposure to various ITI trades. These activities aim to promote career awareness, encourage informed career choices and foster appreciation for hands-on learning and the dignity of labour. Information on modern training facilities and employability opportunities is also being made available to visitors.
Officials indicated that the competition is expected to witness significant public footfall, positioning it as an effective platform for mass awareness of skill development initiatives undertaken by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The event is intended to highlight skill excellence, motivate youth towards skilled career pathways and demonstrate the administration’s focus on strengthening vocational education as a route to employment generation.
Aspiring youth, students, faculty members, parents and ITI alumni have been invited to visit ITI Dollygunj on January 21 and 22 to witness the IndiaSkills competition and engage with the broader skill development ecosystem being showcased during the event.
