Government Polytechnic College Kalamassery proposes to commence a three-year Diploma Program (IL) in Shipbuilding Technology in academic collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL). The proposal is being initiated in view of the acute shortage of skilled diploma-level manpower in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors across the country.

Current estimates indicate a shortage of nearly 6,000 diploma-qualified personnel at the national level, which is projected to rise significantly and may reach approximately 1.5 lakh by 2040, especially with the entry and expansion of multinational companies such as Hyundai in the Indian shipbuilding sector.

The proposed program aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and technical education by integrating academic instruction with extensive industrial exposure, internship pathways, and skill-oriented training in collaboration with CSL. This initiative is expected to become the first industry-linked diploma program in a Government Polytechnic institution in the State of Kerala.

Proposal Pathway

1. The first preliminary discussion regarding the collaboration with Cochin Shipyard was held online on 11.03.2026.
2. A decision to collaborate with Cochin Shipyard was taken in the Academic Council meeting held on 18.03.2026.
3. A second meeting was conducted on 24.03.2026 at Cochin Shipyard with the participation of Shri. Rajesh M., Joint Secretary; Smt. Ani Abraham, Senior Joint Director; and Dr. Aiju Thomas, Principal, Government Polytechnic College Kalamassery.
4. A resolution for starting an industry-linked Diploma Program in Shipbuilding Technology was passed during the Board of Governors meeting held on 25.03.2026.
5. The draft proposal was submitted to Cochin Shipyard on 06.04.2026.
6. Cochin Shipyard expressed its willingness to proceed with the proposal following a Secretary-level meeting held on 08.04.2026.
7. A high-level meeting was held on 05.05.2026 at Cochin Shipyard with the participation of Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph IAS, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, and Shri. Jose V J, Director (Finance) and CMD, CSL. The meeting was convened by the Principal, Government Polytechnic College Kalamassery.
8. The final report was submitted to the Directorate of Technical Education on 13.05.2026.