Industrial training institutes (ITIs) were established with the goal of providing vocational education and skill-oriented training to students in India. These institutes function under the Directorate General of Employment and Training(DGET), the Ministry of Skill and Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The main objective of these institutes is to develop a skilled workforce in India to meet the needs and demands of different industries.
- Types of ITI Courses
- The certification process: All India Trade Test (AITT)
- ITI Scope and ITI Career Opportunities
- What Can I Do After ITI? – Top ITI Career Options
After successful completion of an ITI course, Students are provided with the National Trade Certificate(NTC), a nationally recognised credential that leads to numerous ITI career options in various sectors.
Types of ITI Courses
ITI courses are categorised into two major categories:
1. Engineering courses
These are technical courses focused on areas such as mechanical, electrical, civil engineering and computer hardware.
2. Non-Engineering courses
These courses are non-technical and focus on areas like soft skills, hospitality, fashion designing and language-specific skills and knowledge.
The duration of ITI courses usually ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type and specialisation of the course. Top institutes conduct admission processes based on written tests, although private institutions may offer direct admissions.
These courses are tailored to provide the necessary skill sets and practical training to equip the students for a successful career after ITI.
You may also check: ITI Admission - Date, Website Link, State-Wise Admission Process
The certification process: All India Trade Test (AITT)
All India Trade Test (AITT), conducted by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), is the final skill certification exam for ITI trainees. Held twice a year, the test evaluates the skills and competencies of students across various trades, including:
Electrician
Fitter
Welder
Machinist
Draughtsman (Civil/Mechanical)
Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)
Mechanic (Motor Vehicle, Diesel, Refrigeration) etc.
After the successful completion of AITT, all deserving students are awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC).
ITI Scope and ITI Career Opportunities
Despite the common perception, ITI career options are vast and lead to viable professions in both the government and private sectors. To be precise, ITI is the best choice if you are seeking early employment and skill improvement opportunities. ITI students can be more prepared and job-ready for the professional journey than many degree holders.
What Can I Do After ITI? – Top ITI Career Options
Now let’s explore some of the top jobs after ITI and what students can pursue next.
1. Pursue Apprenticeship Training
This is one of the most practical ITI career options. ITI graduates can join industries to gain practical experience and real-world exposure through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This is a program with 1-2 years of duration, through which students:
Gain practical experience in a professional environment
Earn a stipend every month
Secure the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)
This certificate is a valuable element in your resume and can enhance your chances of securing financially rewarding jobs after ITI.
2. Opt for a Diploma Course (Lateral Entry)
Students from technical backgrounds can pursue diploma engineering courses to enhance their skills and practical knowledge. Students can enrol in a polytechnic diploma engineering program through lateral entry, which allows them to skip the first year and directly start in the second year of the diploma.
These courses benefit students by:
Enhancing technical expertise and improving the chances of employment
Saving a year during education
Boosting chances for jobs after ITI in roles like Junior engineer, Technician or supervisor
3. Get higher secondary equivalence
There is also a government-approved way for students who wish to return to traditional education. Through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), ITI graduates can take a language subject exam after completing a 2-year course. This is a great opportunity and helps students to find excellent ITI career options by adding academic routes.
4. Become a Vocational Trainer (CITS)
For those passionate ITI graduates who want to pursue a career as a teacher, becoming an instructor can be a great choice. After gaining relevant experience, graduates can join the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), which is a 1-year program. Through this pathway, you can become,
Vocational Trainer
Practical Instructor at ITIs (Govt. or Private)
Skill Centre Coordinator
It is a highly respected career option with a strong ITI scope in India.
5. Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment
If entrepreneurship is your true calling, there are many government schemes like MUDRA loans to support you. This is one of the most flexible ITI career options available, with great ITI scope in entrepreneurship.
6. Specialised Short Term Courses
The National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) offer specialised short-term courses to help students sharpen their skills specific to the job profiles. These courses are beneficial in enhancing the job readiness of ITI students, ensuring that they meet the current industry requirements. This is also a great opportunity to boost your chances of securing some of the best jobs after ITI.
Jobs after ITI
Plenty of ITI career options are available in both the public and private sectors. Read further to learn more about career options after ITI in detail.
1. Government Sector Jobs
The public/government sector is considered one of the significant employers for ITI students. Job opportunities in the government sector for ITI students include,
Indian Railways
BSNL
IOCL
ONGC
State PWDs
Indian Army, Navy, BSF, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces
2. Private Sector Jobs
The private sectors also offer a wide range of jobs after ITI. Students can find jobs in fields including:
Manufacturing
Construction
Agriculture
Energy
Automobile and Electronics
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
ITI graduates are hired for the roles of technicians, machine operators, supervisors and junior engineers.
3. International ITI career options
Many foreign countries, especially the Middle East and Southeast Asia, face a shortage of skilled professionals for technical services. Job roles like fitting, mechanics, and machine operations have a huge ITI scope internationally. With the global recognition of ITI skills, graduates can expect to earn high salaries through advanced roles.
Conclusion
Although there is an increased preference towards traditional degrees recently, the relevance and demand for ITI courses are higher than ever. ITI career options directly fill the gulf between industry demand and a skilled workforce. Therefore, it is a great opportunity for those who are interested in finding a successful and lucrative career right after graduation.
With a solid ITI scope, graduates can benefit from early employment opportunities with great prospects.
Also Read: ITI Courses After 10th
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The idea behind establishing the Industrial Training Institutes was to expose the students so that they have a better understanding of the actual work environment. ITIs also help the students to enhance their knowledge and skill of a particular trade.
In industrial training, the institutes play an important role in placing students so that they can get trained and learn the necessary skills. In Industrial training, the institutes also monitor the progress of the students till their training is complete. On the other hand, an internship is like a proper job, without the benefits of a full working staff.
As an ITI graduate, you can pursue Apprenticeship Training, diploma courses through lateral entry, enrol in short-term advanced certifications or even start your own business. If you are interested in academics, opting for 10+2 equivalence through NIOS is also a great option.
Yes, ITI is ideal for future growth through early employment opportunities. ITI is job-oriented, making students ready for the industry through skill enhancement that meets the industry's demands. With a strong ITI scope in India and abroad, ITI is indeed an excellent option for the future.
If you have completed ITI in the Electrical trade, you can pursue a Diploma in Electrical Engineering through lateral entry. You can work in various roles like Junior Engineer, Technician, or Electrical Supervisor through this route.