Three-Day Training Programme for Vocational Trainers Begins

Nauni, September 15, 2026: The Directorate of Extension Education, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, today commenced a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for vocational trainers under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) project, sponsored by Samagra Shiksha, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 49 vocational trainers from the districts of Solan, Una, Sirmaur and Shimla are participating in the training programme.

The objective of the training programme is to familiarise vocational trainers with the latest knowledge, practical skills and effective training techniques related to horticulture and agriculture-based vocational activities, enabling them to provide more quality-oriented and employment-focused training to students and trainees. During the programme, university experts from various disciplines will provide participants with information on important aspects related to horticulture and skill development.

The training programme covers various topics including fruit production and orchard management, sustainable disease and pest management in fruits and vegetables, fruit processing and value addition, commercial flower production and marketing, and identification and demonstration techniques for edible mushrooms. Participants will also be sensitised to various aspects related to internships, career counselling, job fairs and skill development initiatives. Along with lectures, the training will include practical activities, demonstrations and field and unit visits to provide participants with hands-on understanding of the subjects.

Director of Extension Education, Dr DP Sharma, inaugurated the training programme. On the occasion, he said that the success of skill-based education depends on the competence of trainers and their capacity to impart effective training. He emphasised that regular capacity building of vocational trainers is essential to keep pace with changing technologies and evolving employment requirements. Dr Sharma expressed hope that the latest technical and practical knowledge gained during the training would help participants effectively disseminate the information among their trainees. He said that the programme would also contribute significantly towards linking skill development with employment and self-employment opportunities. The programme is being coordinated by Dr Meena Kumari, with Dr Divya Chaudhary serving as Co-Coordinator.

The training programme is not limited to enhancing the knowledge of trainers but is an important initiative aimed at linking skill development with practical training, employment and self-employment opportunities. The knowledge and experience gained during the programme will be taken by the participants to their respective training centres, enabling more students to gain exposure to modern technologies, practical skills and various employment-oriented opportunities.