IIT-Madras hosted skill development programme for women

Hyderabad: Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Glazing Society of India (GSI) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank, organised a ‘Women Exclusive Skill Development Program on Energy Efficiency and Quality Testing of Architectural Glass and Glazing Systems’ was held recently.

This exclusive workshop provided a technical platform for women to familiarize, enhance and gain further knowledge in the energy efficiency and quality aspects of glass and glazing in buildings and thereby support them for a sustainable and high-level career in the glass and glazing industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof S Arul Jayachandran, Structural Engineering Laboratory,Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras,said, “This is the 10th Skill Development Program done by IIT Madras, GSI and IFC. It has been a successful journey from August 2017.We has trained more than 280 quality team personnel from around 120 organisations including in Glass Industry, Processors, Fabricators, Façade Consultants, Architects, Builders and Developers.”

Further, he added that the workshops include theory sessions by industry experts from Saint Gobain, Asahi India, Gujarat Guardian, Schueco, Deceuninck, Eastman, Dow Chemicals and academic experts from IIT Madras and GSI, exclusive demonstration sessions and practical training on architectural glass, glazing systems and associated materials by Industry, GSI and IITMadras as well.

Speaking about the program, Prof K Ramamurthy, Head, Civil Engineering Department, IIT Madras, said, “Program has been put together carefully to have a mix of both theory and practical exposure. The participants should absorb not only the learning content but also the atmosphere of IIT Madras.”

Delivering the Special Address, SivaramKrishnamoorthy, Operations Officer, Energy and Water Advisory, International Finance Corporation, said, “The launch of this initiative on upgrading employee’s skills will contribute to ‘Skill India and ‘Make-in-India - flagship initiatives of the government. The IFC has contributed in greening of cement manufacturing and ready-mix concrete (RMC) by commissioning various projects and studies. Skills will be a core area we will address for the glass and glazing industry.”