Staff Reporter –
At a modest workshop-turned-classroom in Howrah, over 150 students celebrated more than just a course completion — they celebrated their first steps into India’s rising manufacturing and design industry. Today, 28 graduates from West Bengal gets offer letter to join the work force in furniture fitting industry.
The Hettich Poddar WoodWorking Institute (HPWWI), in collaboration with PBSSD (Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development), hosted its annual felicitation ceremony for the 2024–2025 batch under the Employment Grant Program. Hettich, a renowned Germany based leading manufacturer of furniture fittings and hardware company is running 5 such institutes in ITI’s of West Bengal. This milestone event, held at the HPWWi campus in Howrah, honored the journey of over 100+ students till date who received hands-on training in woodworking, furniture fittings, and employability skills. More than 90% of these graduates have already secured placements, with many being absorbed into Hettich India and its partner network across the furniture and design industry.
This year’s cohort includes students from five districts across West Bengal, many of whom happen to be first-generation learners. With a placement rate already crossing 70%, the institute continues to be a springboard for aspirants ready to contribute to modern India’s furniture and interior solutions ecosystem.
“This is not just the beginning of a career — it’s the recognition of skill, perseverance, and the value of craftsmanship,” said Mr. Amit Prasad, Director, HPWWI & Chief Human Resource Officer, Hettich India. “At HPWWI, we believe that every trained professional contributes meaningfully to India’s evolving design and manufacturing ecosystem.”
What sets HPWWI apart is its focus on industry-aligned, future-ready skilling. The curriculum combines technical mastery with soft skills & personality development. They also provide hands-on training in modern machine handling including CNCs and pneumatic tools. Aspirants receive financial literacy sessions as well as are exposed to employer-readiness boot camps with mock interviews and group discussions.
A cornerstone of HPWWI’s approach is its collaboration with Government ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes). HPWWI has adopted and upgraded ITIs in select locations, bringing in private-sector expertise, infrastructure modernization, and a strong placement ecosystem to strengthen public vocational education.
The event also marked the presentation of formal offer letters from Hettich India and its industry partners, with a few students being considered for on-site apprenticeships in Bangalore and Pune — a first for this centre.
HPWWI currently operates two centres across India, including one in Faridabad and the newly opened Bhandup centre in Mumbai. Collectively, these centres have trained over 200 students till date, with a target of training 1000 students by 2030, as well as a strong focus on skill development, employability, and inclusive growth.
The institute’s efforts are aligned with national priorities including Skill India, Make in India, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — fostering dignity in skilled work and rewriting the narrative around vocational training in India.
