Hettich Poddar Woodworking Institute (HPWWI) has recorded a 100 percent success rate in its first participation in the WorldSkills preparation programme, with all six of its candidates securing medals at the Regional competition. The achievement marks a strong debut for the institute in one of the most competitive skill development platforms.
The initiative began on September 11, 2025, with the launch of a structured training camp designed to identify and develop talent in woodworking trades. Sixteen candidates were shortlisted across three categories—joinery, cabinet making, and carpentry—and underwent rigorous, industry-focused training aligned with WorldSkills standards.
Following district- and state-level rounds, six participants progressed to the Regional stage, emerging from a pool of more than 700 competitors across North India. The Regional competition, held in Agra from March 11 to 14, 2026, brought together over 300 participants and featured strong representation from the national skill development ecosystem.
All six HPWWI candidates delivered podium finishes. Lucky Kumar secured gold in joinery, while Lavkush and Shubham Jangra earned silver and bronze respectively in the same category. In cabinet making, Ankit Vishwakarma won gold and Rahul Jangra secured silver. Junaid achieved a silver medal in carpentry.
Five of the six medalists have now qualified for the National competition, where they will compete for selection to represent India at the upcoming WorldSkills International event in Shanghai. HPWWI leadership stated that the outcome reflects the effectiveness of its training approach and its focus on practical skill development. The programme combines technical instruction with hands-on application, preparing candidates for real-world challenges while meeting global competition standards.
The institute continues to position itself as a centre of excellence in woodworking education, with an emphasis on building a skilled workforce ready for modern manufacturing environments. Its efforts are aligned with broader national priorities aimed at strengthening vocational training and supporting industry-led skill development.
HPWWI’s approach integrates structured mentorship, advanced tools, and continuous assessment, ensuring that trainees develop both technical competence and problem-solving abilities. The success of its candidates highlights the growing importance of specialised training institutes in bridging skill gaps and creating career opportunities in manufacturing and allied sectors. As the qualified candidates prepare for the National stage, HPWWI aims to build on this momentum and further expand its role in developing future-ready professionals for India’s evolving industrial landscape.
A CSR-led initiative by Hettich India, the HettichPoddar Wood Working Institute (HPWWI) is dedicated to bridging the skill gap in India’s woodworking and furniture fittings industry. Through partnerships with institutions such as ITIs and PBSSD, HPWWI provides practical, industry-relevant training that prepares young professionals for employment and career growth opportunities in modern manufacturing environments.
