Telangana is looking outward — far outward. Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy on Saturday made a forceful case for sending the State's skilled workers and polytechnic graduates abroad, outlining plans to deepen employment partnerships with Germany and Japan.

Key facts

  • TOMCOM's German language programme has already helped Telangana youth find jobs in Germany.
  • Talks during the recent Japan visit indicated demand for about 10,000 bus drivers.
  • 65 Advanced Technology Centres are running; 54 more will take the total to 119.
  • ATC trainees will receive a ₹2,000 stipend during training.
  • The government has allocated 250 acres for new ATCs.

From Germany, a working template — now Japan

Speaking to the media, the Minister said the government had successfully implemented a programme through the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM), providing German language training to Telangana youth and facilitating employment opportunities in Germany. That playbook, he said, is now heading east.

"We are now extending the experience gained with Germany - to Japan," he said.

The reasoning is demographic. Much like Germany, Japan — with its increasing senior citizenry — is experiencing a paucity of manpower. For Telangana, that gap spells opportunity for engineers, polytechnic and ITI students, nurses and drivers. Discussions during the recent Japan visit, Mr. Venkataswamy said, pointed to a requirement for about 10,000 bus drivers alone.

Preparation will go well beyond technical know-how. Also on the anvil is training in Japanese language, work culture, punctuality and workplace discipline. TOMCOM, he added, would facilitate partnerships with foreign governments, universities and companies to provide youth with safer avenues for overseas employment.

A syllabus tuned to tomorrow

Back home, the curriculum is getting an upgrade. The government is revising the syllabus to cater to demand in upcoming sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, automation and defence. The existing curriculum will continue, while students get the option of additional courses in emerging skills.

The training network is growing with it. Sixty-five Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) are currently functioning, and another 54 will be established, taking the total to 119. The centres will provide training in areas including CNC machining, robotics and automation — with students paid a ₹2,000 stipend during training.

'No question of selling polytechnic lands'

Mr. Venkataswamy also moved to refute allegations that polytechnic lands were likely being sold. Far from selling, he noted, the government had itself allocated 250 acres for new ATCs.

"There is no question of selling polytechnic lands," he said.

Beyond jobs, the State is exploring collaboration with Japanese institutions in advanced manufacturing, AI, electronics and automation — and even hopes to bring Japanese rice-processing technology to Telangana.