Varun Tandon, a seasoned corporate professional with international experience, returned to India in 2016 with a mission – to contribute to the transformative Skill India Mission through the Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council (WMPSC). Holding a Master’s Degree in International Business from Melbourne, Australia and Global Leadership from Boston, USA, his career spanned almost a decade overseas before the call to serve his nation resonated deeply.
His enthusiasm and dedication to empower Indians through skill development led him to leave the comforts of a foreign land and dedicate himself to this crucial national initiative. Today, as Senior Vice President of WMPSC, Varun spearheads the council, forging new pathways and diversifying its activities through collaborations with Central and State Ministries, Industry Leaders, Associations and International Organizations.
Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council (WMPSC), formerly known as the Indian Plumbing Skills Council, is the National level Awarding Body of National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET) and the apex Sector Skill Council of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for the Water & Plumbing Industry, under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE), an initiative of the Government of India. WMPSC aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India into a hub for skilled manpower. As a section-8 not-for-profit organization, WMPSC works towards bridging the gap between skilled and unskilled professionals in India by functioning as a standards, accreditation and certification body. Through dedicated efforts, WMPSC strives to elevate the skill levels in the country to meet global standards.
WMPSC has made significant strides in achieving its objectives. Through the efforts of the company Indian plumbing technicians have been able to compete on a global competitive platform called WorldSkills Competition. WMPSC is closely collaborating with the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Jal Jeevan Mission, to support and realize the vision, working towards the common goal. Committed to social responsibility, the company is also working extensively with corporates under CSR initiatives for skilling, reskilling and upskilling of the workforce in the sector, contributing towards community development and aligning with national goals in skill development. Contributing towards implementation of the National Education Policy and National Credit Framework, WMPSC has created a specialized program for schools called Main Bhi Jal Rakshak, aimed towards inculcating water discipline to young school children.
WMPSC is also involved with identifying skill development needs where we analyze the industry needs to create a comprehensive catalog of required skills, allowing individuals to make informed choices about their career paths. We are also crafting the sector skill development plan by maintaining a dynamic skill inventory and formulating strategic plans for upskilling and reskilling of the workforce. WMPSC is engaged in setting standards and qualifications by meticulously defining skill and competency standards, along with corresponding qualifications, to ensure consistency and quality of skills in the industry. By streamlining affiliation, accreditation and certification protocols, the council has established a robust and standardized process ensuring transparency and efficiency. In order to promote training and expertise and create aspirational value towards vocational education, WMPSC actively conducts capacity building programs such as Training of Trainers and Assessors and also establishes Centers and Academies of Excellence.
Company’s vision for the Skill India Mission is evident in his tireless efforts to elevate the standards prevalent in the industry. WMPSC actively engages with industry leaders, enabling private sector participation and advocating for increased involvement of Indian youth in skill competitions at various levels. Additionally, he spearheads WMPSC’s branding and outreach initiatives across diverse media platforms, aiming to educate the youth about the importance of vocational skill development for self-sufficiency and national progress.
Under the guidance of WMPSC’s Governing and Advisory Council, Varun Tandon and his team are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Water & Plumbing industry in India. The commitment to empowering individuals, bridging skill gaps, and upholding global standards promises a brighter future for both the industry and the nation.
