The National Academy of Construction (NAC) is set to play a bigger role in training youth in various construction skills as a part of the Rajiv Education and Employment Mission to be launched by the State.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N.Kiran Kumar Reddy, today asked the NAC to train about one lakh youth a year in different trades in the construction sector as a part of the employment mission.

Chairing the 17th Governing Board meeting today as the Chairman of NAC at State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said NAC has to play a major role in the new employment mission by imparting skills and ensuring that youth are employable. He asked the Director-General of NAC, Mr F.C.S. Peter, to chart out a comprehensive action plan to cover one lakh youth assuring all necessary State Government support including necessary funding.

The State Principal Secretary, Roads and Buildings, Mr S.P. Singh, said that efforts were under way to get the status of national centre of excellence for NAC.

During 2010-11, as against 50,000 targeted for training, 41,673 candidates were trained in 14 trades. Of them, 34,794 candidates secured placements. Trades covered included operator excavating machinery, welding, cabinet making, basics in computers, driver-cum-tourist guide among other streams.