Balconagar (Public Forum). Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, is driving socio-economic transformation in Chhattisgarh by upskilling more than 12,000 rural youth since 2010 through its Vedanta Skill School. To celebrate this milestone, BALCO commemorated World Youth Skills Day with over 100 trainees of Vedanta Skill School. The event featured a variety of activities, including competitions designed to nurture both personal and professional growth. The day also featured enthusiastic dance performances, fashion shows, cooking competitions, and the creation of electrical models, covering a range of technical and non-technical activities to engage students across various trades.
Kashish Yangde, a trainee in the solar PV installer trade, expressed her aspirations: “I sought financial independence and the ability to support my family. It’s immensely rewarding to have gained skills in the renewable energy sector, especially as it garners growing interest from companies and government bodies alike.”
Himanshu Kumar Sahu, a recent graduate from the fitter trade who has been placed in Aqua Pumps Limited, shared his transformative journey: “The 45-day training at Vedanta Skill School has been life-changing. The residential facilities were a significant advantage, providing a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. This training not only equipped me with the technical skills required for the job but also helped in my personal development. We received hands-on experience in understanding industrial operations as well as effective communication.”
Similarly, Tameshwari Patel, who is currently enrolled in the 45-day sewing machine operator course, shared her experience: “I have always been interested in sewing and used to make clothes for my dolls. When a friend told me about the Vedanta Skill School’s sewing program, I decided to join. The training has equipped me to turn my passion into a profession, empowering me to lead a self-sustaining life.”
Speaking about the transformative impact of the Vedanta Skill School initiative, *Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said,* “At Vedanta, sustainable livelihood development is central to our community efforts. Equipping our youth with the right skills and education is essential for shaping the future of Chhattisgarh and the nation at large. Vedanta Skill Schools has created pathways for local youth to acquire employable skills, helping them to ensure their financial security and comprehensive development. By empowering the youth, we contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region.”
Vedanta Skill School is a 5-star rated SMART centre by Govt. of India, accredited by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Sector Skills Councils (SSC). It offers free residential training in seven trades—Sewing Machine Operator, Electrician, Welding, Hospitality, Fitter-Leveling Alignment & Balancing, Solar PV Technician, and Mobile Repair Operator—lasting 45 to 65 days and following NSDC guidelines. The program emphasizes holistic development with sessions on communication, safety, legal rights, and menstrual health, and includes mentoring from experienced BALCO employees. In fiscal year 2024 alone, 1200+ individuals benefited from the program, 72% of whom were female. 100% placement is there in companies across India.
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