St.Joseph Industrial Training Centre run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, was first started at Tirupattur by Rev.Fr.Carreno sdb. The Institute then had six trades – Cabinet making, engineering, Welding, Printing, Tailoring and Photography. It was originally started for the training of students aspiring to join the Salesian society.

Later in 1950, under the direction of Dr. Louis Mathias, Archbishop of Madras – Mylapore, it was shifted to the present site and more new machines were added with the combined purpose of training the aspirants and helping the poor boys of Madras city. On 9th November 1950 the Wood – Works Department was transferred, together with the then students to the present site. Exactly a month later the Engineering Department, excepting Tailoring and Photography was established at the present location. In the year 1969, due to expansion and lack of space, the Printing Department was shifted to 49, Taylors Road, Kilpauk. Since 1951, the Technical Institute has served the poor youth.

The year 1973 was another landmark in the history of the Institute, Viz the the recognition by the Government of India, the I.T.I trades of Fitter and turner. In 1977, we were fortunate to have 2 more new trades recognized: Welding and Machinist. The Welder course has been shifted to St. Joseph, Katpadi. In 1981, two more new trades namely Electrician and Draughtsman (Mech) were started and have been affiliated to N.C.V.T. In August 1987, the trade of Electronic Mechanic was started. This too has been affiliated to N.C.V.T.

The Data Preparation and Computer Software (DPCS) course, of one year duration was started in August 1995 under the N.C.V.T. pattern. Mechanical Refrigeration and Air- conditioning (MRAC) was started in August 1997. In 1998, N.C.V.T upgraded the DPCS cpurse and renamed it as Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA). The upgraded course includes INTERNET & MULTIMEDIA.

Besides the formal courses mentioned above, functional (Non Formal) courses such as Machine shop operations, Carpentry and Cabinet Making are also being conducted in the interest of the school dropouts and for those with very little of formal schooling.

Upgraded and need-based training is the need of the hour. The institute has therefore introduced AutoCAD for the Draughtsman (Mechanical) trade, CNC training for the Turner and Machinist trades and Computer Hardware for COPA & Electronic Mechanic trades.

The AIM of St. Joseph Industrial Training Centre is to impart an Integral formation – Physical, Intellectual, Moral and Spiritual, to the poor boys; in particular to prepare them for life through sound technical education.

We have been serving the poor youth for the past 57 years by way of offering I.T.I couses and Non – formal courses. In keep with track of the Nation and Congregation we would like to offer enhanced programmes such as Polytechnic and Engineering Disciplines at Degree levels in the coming years.

Source: http://www.donboscotechindia.org/content/blogcategory/472/359/