The Indian Institute of Jewellery (IIJ), an autonomous jewellery training institute, on Monday launched its first centre in Gujarat here to turn out skilled workers for the gems and jewellery industry.

Mr Ajay Lalwani, CEO, IIJ, said the gems and jewellery industry in Gujarat is poised for further growth with plans afoot to open an SEZ for the sector. It would demand skilled and trained individuals to drive growth. IIJ aims to create a workforce equipped with the training required to build a career in this industry.

IIJ’s centre in Ahmedabad will cater to students with a minimum qualification of a Standard XII pass and keen on building a career in the gems and jewellery industry in India and globally.

According to a report by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the industry has the potential to employ about 8 million people by 2022 that includes the 4.6 million employed currently.

IIJ opened its first centre in Mumbai and another in Thane in 2011 to cater to the growing demand from individuals based out of Mumbai.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Industry & Economy / The Hindu Bureau / April 16th, 2012