Odisha, a state in eastern India, has been making significant strides in creating a world-class skilling ecosystem, which has caught the attention of neighboring states. Recently, a delegation from Karnataka, led by their Minister for Skill Development, visited Odisha to gain insights into its skilling model. The delegation was impressed by the state’s innovative approach to vocational training, which has resulted in a significant increase in employment opportunities for the youth. Odisha’s skilling ecosystem is built around the concept of creating a pool of skilled workforce that can cater to the needs of various industries. The state has established a number of skill development centers, which provide training in areas such as IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and are run by experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the industry requirements. The delegation from Karnataka was particularly impressed by the Odisha Skill Development Authority, which is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the state’s skilling program. The authority has developed a number of innovative programs, such as the ‘Skilled in Odisha’ initiative, which aims to provide training to one million youth in the state. The program has been successful in creating a large pool of skilled workforce, which has resulted in a significant increase in employment opportunities. The delegation also visited a number of industries in the state, including the IT sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The state’s capital, Bhubaneswar, has emerged as a major IT hub, with a number of top companies setting up their operations in the city. The delegation was impressed by the state’s infrastructure, including its roads, transportation, and communication networks. They also appreciated the state’s business-friendly environment, which has made it an attractive destination for investors. The visit of the Karnataka delegation is a testament to Odisha’s growing reputation as a hub for skilling and vocational training. The state’s skilling ecosystem has been recognized by the central government, which has awarded it the ‘Best State in Skilling’ award. The state’s success in skilling has also been recognized by international organizations, such as the World Bank, which has praised its innovative approach to vocational training. The delegation’s visit has also opened up new avenues for collaboration between Odisha and Karnataka, with both states exploring opportunities for joint initiatives in skilling and vocational training. The visit has also highlighted the importance of skilling in driving economic growth and employment generation. As India continues to grapple with the challenges of unemployment, states like Odisha are showing the way forward by creating innovative skilling ecosystems that can cater to the needs of various industries. The success of Odisha’s skilling ecosystem is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and collaborative approach to development. The state’s skilling model has the potential to be replicated in other states, which can help in creating a large pool of skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and employment generation. In conclusion, Odisha’s skilling ecosystem is a shining example of how innovative thinking and collaborative approach can help in creating a world-class skilling ecosystem that can drive economic growth and employment generation.