PUNE: The India-Israel workforce partnership is off to a fruitful start. At least 1,800 masons, carpenters, and ceramic tiling workers, mainly ITI graduates from Maharashtra, have been recruited to work in the Middle Eastern nation.
Israel‘s ongoing drive at ITI Aundh which started on Sept 17 will conclude on Sept 25. Thousands of aspirants from across the state have come to ITI Aundh in the past 3-4 days to apply for and bag these jobs.They have a five-year contract with a monthly salary of Rs 1.32 lakh and other bonuses. All candidates undergo a practical skill test before selection.
Lokeshwar Sali, an aspirant, said he has been doing odd jobs as a mason in Pune under a contractor, but there is no guarantee of work. “I get work on some days and otherwise I have nothing. I came here after a friend told me about the drive, and I have been recruited. I will soon be leaving for Israel after the documentation process.”
A delegation of 12 Israeli officials arrived in India on Sept 16 to oversee the recruitment effort. Israel has a growing demand for skilled construction workers and the Indian workforce can get international career opportunities.
Aspirants were not too anxious about going to the strife-torn nation. Shiva Katale, a 50-year-old from Karad, who landed a job, said it was a risk going to Israel where political tensions are high but since it is a govt initiative he finds it safe.
He said, “We are assured of evacuation by govt officials. I have more than 25 years of experience in tiling. Here, I don’t get even half of the package that we have been offered. So it is a win-win situation for me.”
Vishwas Hake, 29, said the five-year contract is reassuring. “If things don’t work out then we can always come back. But I would rather work where my skills are in demand and help my family,” he said.
National Skills Development Corporation’s deputy general manager Sumit Singh said the drive represents a significant step in India’s journey as a global supplier of high-quality human resources.
“This will enhance employment opportunities in international markets, particularly in countries that value Indian expertise in labour-intensive industries,” he added.
A similar drive was conducted earlier this year in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. So far, approximately 4,800 Indian workers have gone to Israel. An additional 1,500 workers from the first cohort went to Israel on September 18, 2024, Singh said.
The corporation ensures that India’s skilling programmes align with global employment demands. Candidates are well-prepared for technical and professional challenges in Israel. Israeli employers have expanded their recruitment targets, seeking an additional 10,000 candidates in this round. The focus remains on four critical areas of expertise— framework, iron bending, plastering, and ceramic tiling.
This initiative is part of an agreement signed between India and Israel in November 2023, ITI Aundh principal Ramakant Bhavsar said.