Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday called for a robust government-academia-industry partnership as the key to achieving the state’s skill development and employment goals.

Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at PES University, he emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to bridge the skill gap and empower youth.

“This collaboration between Bajaj Auto and PES University reflects public-private partnership at its best-where the strength of academia meets the precision of industry,” the State Medical Education and Skill Development Minister was quoted as saying in an official statement.

Patil stressed that empowering youth, especially from underserved regions of Karnataka, is not just heartening but also a strategic investment in the state’s future.

According to the official statement, the BEST Centre at PES University-a CSR initiative by Bajaj Auto Ltd-provides engineering students with advanced training in contemporary technologies such as mechatronics, motion control, robotics, Industry 4.O, and smart manufacturing.

In its first year, the programme trained 320 engineering students, all of whom secured employment with competitive salaries. Plans are underway to double student intake in the coming years.

Patil noted the success of the initiative, particularly its impact on students from the Kalyana and Kittur Karnataka regions, highlighting it as a model for uplifting youth from aspirational districts.

“Sometimes, governments must learn from successful industry models. The training imparted here is a shining example of how we can align education with employability,” he added. PTI