Four former OPJCC Punjipathra trainees made JSPL proud by winning top prizes in the Chhattisgarh State Skills Olympiad in Raipur held on 15th July in commemoration of World Youth Skills Day 2017. Mr. Raghuwansh Rathiya, Mr. Tikam Prasad Saa, and Mr. Karamveer Yadav rose above the stiff competition to earn first place in Brick Laying, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Welding, respectively. They each received prize money of Rs 25000, a trophy, and certificate for their efforts. Mr. Khageshwar Prasad Sahu added to the College's reputation as a premier construction skill training center, bagging 2nd place in Masonry and a Rs 20,000 prize cheque.
State level Olympiad participants were selected from local and then district level competitions. For OPJCC's contestants, these events helped to mentally prepare them for the demands of the final event, a test of their trade knowledge and practical skills. Their instructors were confident, however, that OPJCC would bring accolades to Raigarh District due to the rigor of training that focuses heavily on honing hands-on skills to global standards. The College works with National Skill Development Corporation Sector Skill Councils, the Ministry of Rural Development, Directorate General of Training Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, among others to provide high quality vocational skill training aimed at preparing youth especially from disadvantaged communities for decent employment pan India and globally.
"Skills for the Future of Work" was the theme of this year's World Youth Skills Day. Established by the UN in 2014, WYSD aims to create awareness about vocational skills training as a means to address youth unemployment and underemployment. OPJCCs' training programs that span seven states are singularly focused on upgrading skills and preparing students for jobs as technicians and skilled workers in manufacturing, construction, fabrication, security and hospitality sectors. Winning Olympiad awards may inspire other youths to pursue vocational training.
Presiding over the State Olympiad were Chief Minister Dr. Ramen Singh, State Secretary Skill Development Smte. Shahala Nigar, District Collector Raipur Shri OP Choudhary, Jila Panchaya CEO Shri Nilesh Kshirasagar, and CEO Chhattisgarh State Skill Development Authority Shri S. Baswa Raju among other. Olympiad toppers will receive further training at OPJCC and funding from the State to compete in national events to represent India at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. OPJCC looks forward to continuing its streak of winners in skills development and employment, transforming lives and building a stronger India!
