Jharsuguda: On World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready workforce by empowering more than 15,000 youth through industry-linked skill development programmes across Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Through initiatives spanning Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh, BALCO and its Coal Mines, the company is equipping young people with market-relevant skills, industry exposure and sustainable livelihood opportunities. In FY26 alone, Vedanta’s skilling initiatives trained over 1,500 youth, creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence while supporting India’s growing demand for skilled talent.
The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2026, ‘Skills for a Shared Future’, highlights the importance of preparing young people with a blend of technical, digital, AIand interpersonal skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.
As industries increasingly embrace technology and advanced manufacturing, Vedanta Aluminium’s skilling ecosystem is aligned with this vision by delivering industry-oriented vocational training, career guidance, workplace preparedness and placement support. Through programmes such as VeDakshata and the Vedanta Skill School, the company is helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity while enabling youth to contribute meaningfully to India’s economic and industrial growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Youth are at the heart of India’s growth story, and skills are the bridge between aspiration and opportunity. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are committed to creating pathways that equip youth with industry-relevant capabilities while enabling meaningful livelihoods. Our skill development programmes are helping build a future-ready workforce that contributes to both individual progress and national development.”
Avilachna Mahant, a beneficiary of Vedanta’s skill development initiative, said, “Joining the VeDakshata Skill Centre was a turning point in my life. The training prepared me for industry requirements and helped me secure a job with Tata Electronics. Today, I am financially independent and more confident about my future.”
Similar success stories continue to emerge across Vedanta’s skilling network. Rani Kanwar leveraged her training in Food & Beverage Services to build a successful career in the hospitality industry, while Nisha Mahant overcame financial and personal challenges to secure stable employment and support her family. These journeys demonstrate how vocational training can enhance employability, build confidence and create long-term socio-economic impact at the grassroots level.
Vedanta Aluminium’s skilling initiatives continue to deliver impact at scale across regions and communities. At BALCO’s Vedanta Skill School, more than 1,200 youth were trained in FY26, achieving an 83% placement rate, with 61% women beneficiaries and 59% participation from SC/ST communities. The programme has connected youth from 23 districts to employment opportunities across 12 states through a network of over 75 industry partners. Meanwhile, Vedanta’s Coal Mines Skill Development Centre has enrolled 318 candidates, certified 290 youth, and facilitated placements for 131 trainees. In Jharsuguda, the VeDakshata Skill Centre continues to strengthen employability among rural youth through residential, industry-focused training programmes.
Together, these initiatives are creating a robust talent pipeline, strengthening local economies and advancing inclusive growth across Vedanta Aluminium’s business locations.
As India accelerates its journey towards becoming a global manufacturing and innovation hub, Vedanta Aluminium remains committed to empowering the next generation through skill development, employability and sustainable livelihoods.
By combining industry-aligned training, strong placement linkages and community partnerships, the company is helping shape a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce while creating lasting socio-economic value for individuals, families and communities.
