UK offers to strengthen Odisha’s skilling ecosystem

Bhubaneswar: Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North-East India, has said that by leveraging UK expertise in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Britain can support Odisha’s ambitions to equip its workforce with internationally recognised skills, enhancing employability and driving economic growth
Dr. Fleming was leading a high-profile UK Skills and Chartered Bodies delegation which was in India to explore opportunities for collaboration in skills development, vocational training, and workforce development.
The delegation, comprising 4 UK chartered bodies, and 3 Awarding Organisations, each with a global presence.
It is in Odisha as part of a broader engagement in India, which includes visits to Delhi and Chennai.
Dr. Fleming said, “Since my first official visit to Odisha on November 23 I have been impressed by the commitment this state has attached to skilling their youth for a sustainable livelihood. I am thrilled that on what is my 8th official visit to be bringing some key global players in the skills sector to Bhubaneswar as part of this mission. It presents a fantastic opportunity to deepen partnerships between UK institutions and Odisha’s skilling ecosystem. By leveraging UK expertise in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), we can support Odisha’s ambitions to equip its workforce with internationally recognised skills, enhancing employability and driving economic growth.”
During the Odisha leg of the visit, the delegation engaged with the Skill Development and Technical Education Department of Odisha, and the World Skill Center (WSC), Bhubaneswar. The discussions focused on enhancing vocational education, integrating UK-style apprenticeships, and strengthening industry-led skilling initiatives across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital skills, and sustainable infrastructure.
While interacting with the UK delegation, Minister Swain, said, “Today, Odisha is recognised as a leader in skill development. We are at the forefront, developing world class skills centers, forming partnerships with top tier industry leaders and implementing innovative programs that create pathways to meaningful employment and economic self-sufficiency.”
Sir Steve Smith, HMG international Education Champion said, ‘I’m thrilled that the DBT Skills and Chartered Bodies mission to India has been such a success. The UK and India have come leaps and bounds in all areas of Education partnerships. I’m extremely excited to see the countries work together to ensure both workforces are adaptable, globally skilled and fit for future employment.’
The UK Skills and Chartered Bodies Mission to India is supported by the British High Commission, in collaboration with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This initiative aims to promote UK-India collaboration in vocational education, create new training and certification pathways, and establish long-term partnerships to bridge skill gaps and drive workforce development.