Vedanta Aluminium skill initiative upskills over 1,000 Kalahandi youths
By Nalini Sahu
Lanjigarh, Sept. 25: Vedanta Aluminium’s Skill Development Initiative has trained more than 1,000 youths in Kalahandi, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and helping them access sustainable livelihood opportunities. More than 75 per cent of the trainees have secured employment opportunities within Odisha, while women constitute 55 per cent of the total participants.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry requirements and workforce readiness through vocational training, soft skills development and placement support. Supported through partnerships with government agencies and institutions, including the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and NABARD, the programme operates residential and non-residential training centres in Bhawanipatna and Lanjigarh.
The centres offer courses including Assistant Electrician, Sewing Machine Operator and Food & Beverage Associate, enabling local youth to develop technical competencies and workplace skills and explore employment opportunities across sectors.
For beneficiaries such as Bignashwini Bisi of Badguda village, the programme has opened new avenues. With limited employment prospects due to a lack of vocational skills, she underwent two months of Food & Beverage Service training, along with soft skills and IT training. She subsequently secured employment with a pan-India restaurant chain.
“The training helped me improve my communication skills and gain confidence. Today, I am able to work independently, support my family and look ahead with confidence,” Bignashwini said.
Similarly, Abhiram Harijan of Musanal village, who came from a financially constrained background, benefited from technical and soft skills training as well as placement assistance. He subsequently secured employment and established a stable source of income.
“The training gave me the skills and confidence needed to build a better future. Securing a job has helped me support my family and encouraged me to strive for greater opportunities,” Abhiram said.
Vedanta Aluminium said the initiative is helping strengthen workplace readiness, promote financial independence and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods among youth in communities surrounding its Lanjigarh operations.
