BALCONAGAR: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, marked World Youth Skills Day by organizing a celebration with the trainees at Vedanta Skill School, highlighting the importance of skills in empowering the youth. The celebrations featured a wide array of activities, including motivational videos, competitions, safety quizzes, and legal literacy sessions, all aimed at nurturing their growth and development. Over 90 trainees enthusiastically participated in the festivities, centered on recognizing the potential that lies in acquiring and honing essential skills.

Established with the core objective of providing vocational training to the youth, Vedanta Skill School has been making significant strides in transforming the lives of rural youth, dropouts, and the unemployed population in Chhattisgarh today. Since its inception in 2011 in Korba, the skill school has expanded its operations to Kawardha and Mainpat in 2017-18, further enhancing its reach and impact across the region.

Through a meticulously designed curriculum, the Vedanta Skill School focuses on imparting practical and industry-relevant skills in several trades. It provides free residential training in six trades, including food & beverage, welding, sewing machine operation, solar PV technician, electrician, and fitter. The training program, which lasts for 45-60 days, is designed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The school also collaborates with government schemes like Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (MMKVY), NABARD, Skill India Impact Bond (SIIB), and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) to ensure effective implementation. 

Vedanta Skill School prioritizes creating a conducive environment for the growth and development of its students. The skill school's hybrid classrooms provide a conducive learning environment that combines practical and theoretical approaches. With a total of 17 core faculty members and 15 visiting faculty, the trainees have access to a diverse range of expertise and experience to aid in their journey. Recognizing that securing a job is just the beginning of a successful career, the School ensures support for trainees even after they are placed, through post-placement tracking. 

The program surpasses mere technical skills by placing a strong emphasis on the comprehensive development of students' personalities. In addition to honing their technical abilities, life skills sessions are conducted to foster their holistic growth, covering topics such as communication, safety, legal rights, and menstrual health. Moreover, students receive sessions from experienced BALCO employees too, who serve as mentors and facilitators, sharing their expertise and real-world insights to help students develop these vital skills.

Appreciating the efforts made under Vedanta Skill School, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, and Director BALCO, said, “At Vedanta, we firmly believe that sustainable livelihood development is the cornerstone of our commitment to community development. We recognize that the youth hold the key to shaping the future of Chhattisgarh and India. With the right skills and education, they can unlock tremendous potential. Through the Vedanta Skill Schools, we aim to create pathways for skill development among the local youth, providing them with opportunities to acquire employable skills that ensure their financial security and holistic growth. BALCO is dedicated to empowering the community by equipping them with the resources to transform their lives.”

Annu Mahanand, a trainee from Food & Beverage Trade showed his gratitude and said, “I wholeheartedly recommend Vedanta Skill School to anyone seeking a comprehensive and practical education that will pave the way for a successful career. The faculty members here go above and beyond to create a conducive learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore their potential and excel in their chosen fields. The program genuinely cares about the success of each student and are always available to guide and mentorship.”

The program has made a significant impact on the lives of numerous individuals in the state till date. Since its inception, a total of 10,789 trainees have received training, equipping them with valuable skills for their future endeavors. In the fiscal year 2023, 1,007 individuals benefited from the program, with an impressive 59% of them being female candidates. A total of 76% (765 trainees) have been placed in various organizations in various locations across India including states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.