Vedanta Aluminium empowers over 15,000 youth through industry-aligned skilling initiatives across India

On this World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, has considered each word quite literally. The firm celebrated the day with heightened growth, incorporating grassroots innovation with value-driven employability programs across all its business units by empowering over 15,000 youth across the country. 

Image source: vedantaaluminium.com

Spanning rural and industrial areas in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, the firm's initiatives supported the youth to be equipped with job-ready skills in high-demand trades and fostered inclusive, sustainable livelihoods. 

The firm's efforts in upskilling were aligned by keeping in mind the needs of the locals as well as meeting global industry trends. The initiative provided these youths with hands-on training concerning more than 25 trades, ranging from solar energy, CNC operations, mobile repair, to hospitality. 

The design of the programme provided the youths with robust post-training pathways which included certificates, entrepreneurship incubation and job placements. The success rate of the job placements exceeds 70 per cent in different training centres, with a partnership with the state agencies like Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and NABARD, which aided in aligning industry institutions like CEMS. 

Following the training, the firm absorbed more than 500 apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) along with 18 ITI apprentices, ranging across all operations. 

Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, stated, "At Vedanta, we believe skilling is a nation-building exercise. Our initiatives are not just creating livelihoods; they are fostering dignity and confidence and building a new generation of changemakers across India's rural heartlands. Our approach is deeply rooted in local realities while aligned with national priorities like Make in India, Skill India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. We see human capital as the most powerful catalyst for socio-economic transformation."

Some other initiatives, like the Project Panchhi, also enable higher education and employment for the first-generation female students who belong to low-income families. Additionally, more than 50 interns are currently a part of the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, helping youths to gain industry exposure at Vedanta's plant with practical industry-ready skills. 

Previous initiatives undertaken by Vedanta Aluminium 

• In Lanjigarh, Odisha, the skill development initiatives have reached over 700 youth, with women making up more than 55 per cent of the trainees, highlighting a strong focus on inclusivity and economic empowerment. The unit operates two skill training centres in collaboration with NABARD and the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), offering courses in hospitality, computer literacy and high-demand trades like welding, fitting, electrical services and crane operations. Following training, 76 per cent of participants have secured jobs in MSMEs and industries or have pursued self-employment.
• BALCO in Chhattisgarh, supported 1,414 youth by providing training last year across seven trades, including solar PV, welding, fitting, electrical work and so on. Women comprised approximately 72 per cent of the trainees. With a 78 per cent success rate in placements and self-employment, graduates have secured roles in renowned companies like Ashok Leyland, Crompton, and Volvo Eicher. Firm's skilling model is strengthened through collaborations with various partners and enriched by soft skills clubs, safety workshops and initiatives. Since the Vedanta Skill School's inception in 2011, the program has expanded to 22 districts in 11 states, becoming a key pillar of Vedanta's workforce development strategy.
• In Jharsuguda, Odisha, 162 youth have received training through programs like VeDakshata, the region's first residential skilling centre. With a goal to train 500 youth over the next three years and achieve a placement rate above 70 per cent, the initiative supports Vedanta's vision of building a future-ready workforce. The unit also spearheads Project Vidyagraha, a flagship digital education initiative that has reached more than 11,000 students across 106 government schools, helping close the digital divide.

Through robust institutional partnerships, an industry-relevant curriculum and a strong commitment to social impact, Vedanta Aluminium is driving economic mobility, promoting gender inclusion and scaling workforce development, equipping India's youth for success in a fast-changing economy.

Also read: Indian conglomerate Vedanta plans to set up US$ 15.42B aluminium smelter in Odisha