CREDAI Chennai and Central Polytechnic launch Centre of Excellence to Strengthen Construction Talent in Tamil Nadu

CREDAI Chennai has taken a major step toward bridging the long-standing skill gap in Tamil Nadu’s construction sector by partnering with Central Polytechnic College in Taramani to establish a new Centre of Excellence. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by aligning technical education with the evolving needs of real estate and infrastructure projects.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, focuses on developing civil site supervisors who can take charge on the ground from day one. As construction activities accelerate across Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, the demand for field-ready professionals has increased significantly. CREDAI Chennai identified this gap and collaborated with the institute to introduce structured training that blends academic learning with practical exposure.

The Centre of Excellence will upgrade existing laboratories, introduce industry-driven modules and create a dedicated training hub inside the campus. The curriculum has been designed to reflect real-world construction workflows, ensuring students gain clarity on quality management, safety protocols and site supervision responsibilities.

A key highlight of the programme is a six-month internship offered through CREDAI member companies. Students will work directly at active project sites, observing day-to-day operations and participating in supervised tasks. This hands-on exposure is expected to transform graduates into confident technicians who can seamlessly integrate into engineering and construction roles.

A Mohamed Ali, president of CREDAI Chennai, said the collaboration marks an important step in bringing academia and industry closer. He noted that the initiative will strengthen the talent ecosystem by equipping young professionals with the competencies required to take leadership roles at project sites.

The partnership is steered by CREDAI’s Skill Development Committee chaired by R Jeyakumar, with support from executive committee member T Arul, Central Polytechnic College principal OG Dharanipathi and UNEP senior adviser Durganand Balsavar. Together, they aim to create a sustainable, long-term model for skill development in Tamil Nadu’s construction landscape.

Through this initiative, CREDAI Chennai hopes to build a stronger workforce capable of supporting the region’s rapid urban development while also uplifting career opportunities for aspiring technicians.