New and Renewable Energy, Government of Maharashtra, launched the first ever scheme for fresh Diploma and Graduate Engineers in Electrical Discipline leading to PWD Certification, enabling participants to be become self-employed or employed with others.
In October 2016, the Chief Electrical Inspector, Maharashtra, notified that the training program may be implemented by Power Utilities - Tata Power, Reliance and Maharashtra Vitaran. What made this programme unique was the fact that usually fresh engineering graduates are required to gain minimum one year's industry/field experience before they are eligible to apply for PWD Supervisor's License, but after completing this course, fresh engineers may directly apply for the PWD Supervisor's License, without the need for gaining industry experience first.
Tata Power – TPSDI took the initiative and became the first to launch the course after designing Curriculum, Course Content and Assessments. 12 Trainees (11 males and 1 female) from Nagpur (Vidarbha Region) attended the 12 week programme from May 2nd to July 22nd at TPSDI - Shahad Training Center in Kalyan, Mumbai.
Among other things, the course covered the following aspects:
1.Substation and substation equipment
2.Transmission and Distribution Systems
3.Overhead Distribution System
4.Cable lying and Cable Jointing
5.Industrial and domestic wiring
6.Planning and Estimation of projects
7.Electrical Safety
The Graduation Ceremony for the batch was held on July 21, 2017 at TPSDI - Shahad. The programme was attended by Mr. S. R. Bagde, Chief Electrical Inspector, Industries, Energy & Labour Department, GOM who was accompanied by his entire team and Mr. Dinesh J. Khonde, Superintendent Engineer, Nagpur Regional Electrical Circle, Industries, Energy & Labour Department, Nagpur. Mr. Bagde and the team took a tour of the Training Center and interacted with trainees, faculty and TPSDI management. The guests were highly appreciative of the training content, hands on practice, faculties and the overall training approach of TPSDI.
Mr. Bagde said:
"Very good initiative of Tata Power. I am impressed by the training infrastructure and facilities provided. The quality of teaching staff and emphasis on practical really gives impetus to the confidence of students. This will contribute to the Maharashtra Government's efforts promoting electrical safety."
Mr. Khonde remarked:
"Tata Power Skill Development Institute is a really dedicated institute for the overall development of the young Electrical Engineers".
Moreover, the Hon. Minister for Energy, New and Renewable Energy - Mr. Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Hon. Minister of State for Energy, New and Renewable Energy - Mr. Madan Yerawaar had sent letters of appreciation for this initiative which were read to audience. Both Ministers praised Tata Power’s initiative and pioneering efforts and cooperation with Government’s endeavor.