On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Aluminium announced the successful upskilling of more than 15,000 young individuals across India through a range of targeted vocational initiatives. These programs, implemented in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and other states, are designed to build industry-relevant skills and improve access to sustainable employment.
Focused on local needs and aligned with national development goals, Vedanta’s training modules cover over 25 trades—from solar energy and CNC operations to hospitality and mobile repair. The company offers certification, placement support, and entrepreneurship opportunities post-training. These efforts are supported by partnerships with organizations such as the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), NABARD, and the Centre of Excellence for Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS).
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, stated, “Skilling is more than a livelihood solution—it’s about building confidence, self-reliance, and long-term prosperity. Through these initiatives, we are empowering communities, especially in India’s rural regions, while contributing to national missions like Make in India, Skill India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
In Lanjigarh, Odisha, a significant focus has been placed on youth empowerment through skill development initiatives. Over 700 young individuals have received training in trades such as welding, computer literacy, and crane operations. Notably, more than 55% of the trainees are women, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender inclusion.
The outcomes have been promising, with around 76% of participants either securing employment or establishing their own businesses, contributing to the region’s socio-economic growth. Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive impact through strategic collaborations, job-oriented curricula, and a clear focus on inclusion. Its holistic approach is creating pathways to economic growth, particularly for youth from underserved communities.
At BALCO in Chhattisgarh, the youth skilling program has shown expansive growth and impact. In the past year alone, 1,414 young individuals were trained across seven vocational trades. Women made up a substantial 72% of the batch, underscoring efforts to uplift and empower female participants.
The program has achieved a commendable 78% success rate in placements and self-employment and has expanded its reach to 22 districts across 11 states, demonstrating scalability and effectiveness. In Jharsuguda, the VeDakshata residential skilling centre has provided specialized training to 162 youth, aiming for a 70% placement rate.
Parallelly, the Subhalaxmi Co-operative has empowered over 150 women to launch microenterprises across 35 villages, promoting financial independence and entrepreneurship. Vedanta’s Project Vidyagraha also plays a key role in bridging the digital divide, benefiting more than 11,000 students through digital learning tools and resources.
Training initiatives in Odisha’s mining areas have reached more than 30 villages, focusing on practical skills like electrical work and hospitality services. A total of 156 youth have been trained, with 46 successfully launching their own ventures. These efforts are instrumental in creating livelihood opportunities within local communities, encouraging self-reliance, and reducing migration in search of employment.
In Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, training programs conducted in collaboration with CEMS have benefited 90 youth, achieving an impressive 92% placement rate. Over 75% of these individuals have transitioned into small-scale entrepreneurship, engaging in activities such as jute bag manufacturing and lacquer toy production. Additionally, Project Shiksha, a digital literacy initiative, is making strides by reaching 1,200 students, further enhancing education and digital access in the region.
A subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is among the world’s leading aluminium producers. It operates across India and internationally in sectors like oil & gas, zinc, silver, steel, and power. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and has pledged $5 billion toward this goal. Its social impact efforts, such as the Nand Ghar initiative and other CSR programs under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, reflect its deep commitment to community development, women’s empowerment, and education.
