IITD: Upskilling manpower across the construction industry

IITD launches skill development and entrepreneurship development program for waterproofing, repairs and building maintenance in Goa

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Despite the enormous amount of knowledge in the domain, waterproofing is still a challenge. Due to the variety of materials and methods available, specifiers, applicators and supervisors are left clueless about material selection and application techniques. "We found there are lots of site personnel who do not have any formal training or even any education," said Er Sunny Surlaker, Director, The Institute For International Talent Development [IITD]. "We thought it would be a good idea if we could come up with something that would be of help to such people. Looking at the gap in the Skilling of Usage of Modern Materials and Techniques, IITD was conceptualized by Mr Samir Surlaker and Late K. P. Pradeep of Master Builder Magazine. That's how, we along with a few other likeminded people set up our training and skill development centre, here in Goa."

The program is a joint initiative with the Construction Industry Development Council [CIDC] to offer a nationally recognized Certification of Competency. CIDC, an apex body in the construction industry, was setup with the Planning Commission / Niti Aayog and works to develop the Indian Construction Industry and raise its quality levels. One of CIDC's main initiatives, is training manpower across various levels in the construction industry.

The certification programs were developed under the guidance of Dr P. R. Swarup, Director General, CIDC keeping in mind the need to recognize and certify the skills of waterproofing professionals, to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled personnel. "The main objective of the program is to help participants' upskill or launch start-ups in waterproofing and maintenance of civil engineering assets," said Surlaker.