The first batch of nine students from Andhra Pradesh has left for Russia to undertake a 10-month vocational training programme in metallurgy, facilitated by the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC). The programme is aimed at providing students with advanced technical and professional skills, along with international industry exposure, helping them prepare for employment opportunities in the global metallurgical sector.

A statement released on Saturday said the students departed from Bhogapuram International Airport on Friday under an India-Russia government-to-government initiative aimed at promoting international vocational education and skill development.

The programme is being facilitated with the initial support of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). APSSDC has also signed a Letter of Intent with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) to strengthen international vocational education and training opportunities.

The first batch consists of seven Diploma holders in Metallurgy and two candidates with ITI qualifications, who were selected following screening, assessment and document-verification procedures.

The students will receive vocational training at Pervouralsky Metallurgical College (PMC) in Russia free of cost. The RSPP will provide accommodation and food, while each student will receive a monthly stipend of 24,000 Russian Rubles during the programme. APSSDC will be responsible for mobilisation, selection and documentation, while RSPP will support programme arrangements, and vocational training will be provided by PMC.

The initiative is aimed at providing students with advanced technical and professional skills, along with international industry exposure, helping them prepare for employment opportunities in the global metallurgical sector.

Employment partner

Cybersteel has been identified as a potential post-training employment partner. Students who successfully complete the programme and satisfy the company’s eligibility and employment requirements may be considered for recruitment through its selection process. The expected monthly salary for eligible positions is 80,000 Russian Rubles.

Congratulating the students, APSSDC Managing Director and CEO G. Ganesh Kumar urged them to make full use of the opportunity by developing their technical, vocabulary and professional skills while maintaining discipline and professionalism in an international environment.