Under its cluster development program for the knitwear industry, India’s Ludhiana based Knitwear Club in support with Apex Cluster Development Services has started a training program for computerized flat knitting machine operators. After mobilizing unemployed youth from nearby villages, the program is being held at M/S. Golf International, Industrial Area, Ludhiana.

Mr.Vinod K.Thapar, President of the Knitwear Club, visited the training site yesterday and lauded the efforts of the trainers as well as the contribution of industrialists for the better cause and remuneration of rural and unemployed youths as computerized knitting machine operators.

According to the Knitwear Club, the local industry has invested heavily in computerized knitting machines but the shortage of trained personnel to run these machines is a huge limitation.   “There are thousands of computerized knitting machines in the cluster and these machines can run day in, day out provided the person to run them is available. These boys and girls are provided one month practical training on computerized knitting machines and are provided employment immediately after completing the training,” a spokesperson for the Knitwear Club said yesterday.

The cost of the training is borne under the SIDBI funded project ‘Implementing BDS for MSMEs in Ludhiana knitwear cluster’. “The program aims to provide skilled operators to the industry and the service provider will get an opportunity to set up a training centre to provide training on computerized machines. It will also improve the sales of the computerized knitting machines in the cluster,” the Knitwear Club said.

Other dignitaries present during the training visit were Mr.S.S. Dhillon (Director MSME), Mr.S.S.Bedi (Deputy Director MSME) and key personalities from the Industry: Mr.Rajinder Bhushan Maini, Mr.Charanjiv Singh, Mr.Harish Kairpal, Mr.Ashwini Sahnan, Mr.Gulshan Goyal, Mr.Lakshmi Gupta and Mr.Jagmohan Thapar owner of M/S. Golf International. Executives of Apex Cluster Development Services, training coordinator, were also present.