On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, UltraTech celebrates its contributions to youth skill development and empowerment through its initiatives across its manufacturing units. These initiatives, many through collaborations with industry partners and government schemes, have helped change lives and strengthen communities. These have boosted the fostering of sustainable livelihoods and economic independence in the communities where UltraTech operates.
Baikunth Cement Works, an integrated cement manufacturing unit of UltraTech, has in partnership with Shahi Exports, been at the forefront of the empowerment of young women through vocational training. Since November 2022, the unit has provided training in industrial sewing machine operations to young women labourers from 21 villages of Tilda block in Raipur district. This has helped equip 145 women with the skills needed to gain employment. By March 2024, sixty-six of these women secured jobs in Shahi Exports’ manufacturing units in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Thirty-nine of these women chose to engage in self-employment and are offering tailoring services in their villages. This project has not only provided a source of income but also instilled a sense of pride and independence among the young women.
Maihar Cement Works, an integrated cement manufacturing unit of UltraTech, through Project Swavlamban, established a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in 2021 to support local youth from low-income families. The VTC offers local youth training in vocational skills such as tailoring, beauty services, electrical and electronics, and in repair of diesel engines and tractors. The VTC has so far trained over 160 youth, aiding in the establishment of 26 new businesses such as parlours, clothing boutiques and repair workshops. Allowing for an increase in self-employment opportunities, this has significantly reduced the need for local youth to migrate for employment. This has allowed people to serve their communities directly, fostering local economic growth and stability.
Meanwhile, the Kagina Private Industrial Training Institute (KPITI), managed by the Kagina Jan Seva Trust which was established in 1996 by Rajashree Cement Works, an integrated cement manufacturing unit of UltraTech, has been a beacon of technical education. It offers two-year courses in Electrician, Fitter, and Electronic Mechanic trades, as well as a one-year Welder course. Through comprehensive training and apprenticeship opportunities, graduates receive a monthly stipend of Rs 7,000 during their apprenticeship. Over 1,350 students have graduated from KPITI, with around 40% absorbed through various contractors and employers each year. KPITI serves as an entry point for industrial employment locally, and a foundation for higher technical education and self-employment.
Another integrated cement manufacturing unit of UltraTech Rawan Cement Works organised as a skill development initiative titled ‘Youth Fests’ targeting youth from nearby villages. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gramin Kaushal Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Chhattisgarh Government, the unit engaged nine Project Implementing Agencies to provide skill-based training for the local youth. Out of 220 participants, over 170 registered for the project, with 25 seeking counselling from channel partners. This initiative has allowed for continuous skill development, enhancing opportunities for sustainable employment opportunities.
Since 2012, Vikram Cement Works has implemented various skill development trainings and income generation initiatives for women and girls in 17 villages in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district. Over five years, over 1715 rural women have been engaged in sustainable livelihood activities, allowing them to contribute to their families and communities economically.
UltraTech’s commitment to skill development initiatives across its units showcases its dedication to the empowerment of rural youth through fostering sustainable development. Through its vocational training initiatives, creation of self-employment opportunities and nurturing of technical skills, UltraTech is helping shape a more prosperous future for local youth and thereby empowering rural communities.
