In order to upgrade and update the skills of serving industrial workers, the AVTS is in operation since 1977. The scheme was launched by erstwhile DGE&T, Ministry of Labour and (now Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship) in collaboration with UNDP/ILO in 1977 at the then 6 Advanced Training Institutes (ATIs) under DGE&T and 16 ITIs of the 15 State Governments.