Date:18/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/18/stories/2008071860480500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

ITI introduces one-year plumbing course

Kannal Achuthan

For students of Corporation schools

Chennai: The Chennai Corporation’s Industrial Training Institute (ITI) has introduced a one-year course in plumbing.

Practical lessons would be an integral part of the course, said M. Govindaraj, Principal of the ITI. The classroom in a plumbing course does not have only blackboards and benches. Western and Indian toilet closets and geysers are fitted in the classroom for students to get to work. The course includes a range of modules from simple plumbing repairs at home to contracts in commercial buildings.

“It is considered that only boys can take up plumbing courses but that is not so. A few girls have also applied for the new course,” Mr. Govindaraj said.

The ITI, recognised by the National ouncil for Vocational Training (NCVT), also offers a one-year course in computer operations and programming. The previous batch, comprising 31 students, will soon appear for a national-level examination and, if successful, be awarded trade certificates.

The course has helped many students from underprivileged families equip themselves with technical skills. Course instructor Girija said a campus placement system would be worked out to get jobs for the students who have been trained in MS Office, C, C+ and DOS.

Fitter, electrician and motor vehicle mechanic courses are to be introduced in the future. Equipment worth Rs.80 lakh has been purchased for these training programmes.

The courses are restricted to students of Corporation schools and wards of Corporation employees. The minimum qualification for the plumbing course is a pass in Class VIII and for the computer course a pass in Class XII. Application forms cost Rs.10 and the course fee is Rs.1,145. It can be paid in instalments. Candidates may apply at the ITI located in Lloyds Colony in Royapettah (Ph: 28473117).