by BIS Correspondent
MUMBAI, MAY 9, 2019: In a bid to mark its golden jubilee, Skill for Progress (SKIP) - an association of 219 technical institutions spread throughout the country - organised an Instructor Skill Competition at St Joseph ITI (SJITI), Don Bosco Kurla on May 2.
The institution is a SKIP member for the last 40 years. The competition was conducted in the workshops and lab of SJITI. Fitter, electrical, welding, and automobile were the trades shortlisted for the competition.
In all, 29 instructors participated in the competition. The event began with a prayer song with a deep meaning and melody. This was followed by a welcome to all dignitaries on the dais, including Vinod Kulkarni, design head of corporate social responsibility, TATA Motors, Father Mario Vaz, Executive Director, Don Bosco College of Learning, Kurla, G A Soman, Principal, Don Bosco Maritime Academy, Dr. Joseph Stanley, General Secretary, SKIP, central office and Amarr Prabhu, Principal, SJITI and secretary, western region.
Father Vaz then addressed the gathering and said winning or losing was not important, as everyone was a winner. Dr. Stanley then took over by speaking about the quality of an instructor and a trainee. He also touched upon the technological changes happening and the role of instructors to update themselves.
Kulkarni, the chief guest, then shared advice about changes in the methods and pedigree of skilling the trainees. Prabhu then introduced the format of the Skill Competition and the day’s events.
Kulkarni blew the whistle to declare the Skill Competition open. All the contestants then preceded for the various tests to the workshops and labs. The practical test included high-level skills, workmanship precision, quality, completion of the given task on time, and attitude towards work. The competition was based on two components: testing of skills and knowledge.
The contestants were also given a theory test to test their knowledge. The test papers were set by industrial experts. The jury for the competition was from Mahindra & Mahindra, Godrej, and Master Craftsman.
The closing ceremony began at 5 pm with a presentation depicting the day’s activities. All contestants thanked SKIP western region and SJITI for organising such events and said that such competitions should be hosted on a regular basis.
The jury members then shared their feedback on the performance of the contestants wherein all the four jurists expressed that all instructors should develop their skills and keep themselves updated with the technology, system, and processes followed in the industry.
Vinod Naronha, Managing Director, Supreme Enterprise & Institute Management Committee Chairman of SJITI urged the trainees to be more competent and work towards enhancing their skills from time to time.
The contestants were given certificates of participation and screwdriver sets sponsored by J K Files. Pranay Patil from SJITI, Don Bosco, Kurla stood first, while Sambhaji Hindule from Don Bosco Private Industrial Training Institute Pune was first runner up for the trade of fitters.
For the trade of welding, Bharat Mahadu Valimbe from Agnel Institute of Technical (AITTED) won top honours, with Derram Sekharam from Agnel Training Institute came second.
For the electricians' trade, the winner was Thomas Nadar from SJITI and the runner up was Rajeshbhai Vasava from Xavier Technical Training Centre, Gadkol.
From the trade of automobiles, the winner was Bhushan Pathare from Samaji Vikas, Walwanda with Anthony Kittykal from SJITI, Don Bosco Kurla came second.