Tag: vocational training

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Maem with New Tailoring and Computer Training Centres

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa–Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, inaugurated the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre and the relocated Vedanta Computer Centre at Village Panchayat Maem. These facilities aim to empower local women and youth through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) certified training programs in tailoring and computer applications, thereby enhancing employability and self-reliance.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, along with Shri Vasudev Gaonkar, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Maem, other panchayat members, and community representatives. From Vedanta, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, IOG, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head–North & Central Cluster, IOG, were present.

The event also featured a certificate distribution ceremony for students who completed the three-month NSDC-certified Diploma in Computer Application program from the Vedanta Computer Centre.

The newly launched Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre will focus on skill development for women, offering a three-month structured course combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. This initiative seeks to enable women to take up entrepreneurial ventures and achieve financial independence.

The Vedanta Computer Centre, relocated from Haldanwadi to the Village Panchayat Maem premises, continues to offer both basic and advanced digital literacy programs. These training modules are designed to improve local youth’s computer proficiency and employability in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking at the event, Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, commended Vedanta’s efforts, saying, “I appreciate Vedanta Sesa Goa for its consistent efforts towards community welfare and capacity building. Establishing these centres is a progressive step aimed at empowering individuals through essential digital skills. It is evident that Vedanta feels a deep sense of responsibility for the progress and prosperity of this region, and initiatives like these demonstrate the company’s genuine commitment to inclusive growth.”

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO of Vedanta IOG, emphasized the company’s social commitment, stating, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we strongly believe that true growth lies in the progress of the communities. Our skilling and empowerment initiatives are designed to ‘give back’ to society and create sustainable opportunities. The launch of the Tailoring and Computer Centres at Maem reinforces our commitment to building a self-reliant, skilled, and confident community.”

So far, more than 1,200 students have benefited from Vedanta’s computer centres in Bicholim. Through sustained initiatives in education, skill development, and empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive meaningful transformation and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainable development.

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.

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From Aspiration to Achievement: Over 1 lac+ Youth Skilled by Sesa Goa

allycaralgoa

As India gears up to achieve its economic aim of being a $7 trillion economy by 2030, the manufacturing sector is identified as a key enabler for achieving this aim. The National Policy on Skill Development envisages skilling of over 500 million individuals to meet the demands of India’s growing economy. Due to the sustained efforts of multiple agencies employability among Indian graduates has increased by 7% this year, reaching 54.81% in 2025, up from 51.25% last year, reveals Wheebox ETS India Skills Report 2025, in collaboration with CII, Taggd, AICTE, and AIU.

With around 65% of the population >35 years, India Skills Report identifies the age group of 22-25 with the highest employability and in order to maximise this potential, skilling targets need to be met integrating the programmes being instituted by corporate or private entities. Prioritising youth skilling, Vedanta Sesa Goa has rolled out several initiatives in diverse streams such technical, digital, sports and entrepreneurial skills, leading to over 1lac+ youth benefitting for the same progressively.

The Sesa Technical School (STS) in Goa, established in 1994, has helped create an industry-ready workforce.In its 31 years, the STS has achieved a near 100% placement record with over 2,000 technically qualified youth powering India’s economic surge. Specially curated courses for women trainees have also been commenced with the Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) course building further on inclusivity aims. Scholarships are also extended to encourage & spur women participation.

The India Skills Report 2025 identifies that 50% of secondary and tertiary students are likely to benefit vocational training imparted to them. The STS has recently initiated short term vocational training courses, which are expected to create over 1000 skilled youth in three years.

Expressing his thoughts on the contribution of Sesa Goa in the field of skilling, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa said ‘’For a rapidly evolving and progressive India, a skilled workforce is essential to achieve the aims of #ViksitBharat. We,at Vedanta Sesa Goa, prioritise skilling of our youth through technical training, digital skilling, sports and vocational training as a key part of our core philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully to the society. Our endeavours such as the Sesa Technical School, Sesa Football Academy, Vedanta Computer Centres and Labs and Vedanta Tailoring Centres have contributed to the skilling of over 1 lac youth since 2018.”

Mr Pradip Sarmokadam , Member Secretary Goa State Biodiversity Board & Chief Guest stated during a visit to the STS in Jun ’25 that “I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to STS & SFA for their contribution in shaping the futures of the youth from the villages & mining belt. I also compliment them for their efforts towards skilling the youth as upskilling is extremely important for building self-confidence”
As per Teuila Hampson, Chief People’s Officer, LinkedIn, by 2030 the skills needed to do work in India would have undergone a change by 64% with innovation , digital and AI-based skills driving the change. This necessitates that the digital divide is bridged and Sesa Goa with 8 Vedanta Computer Centres & 18 Vedanta Computer Labs has since 2018, ‘digitally’ enabled over 80000 students across locations. The emphasis on digital skilling recognises the decisive trends in skilling & aligns with the World Youth Skills Day 2025 with its theme – “Youth Skills for the Digital Era.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s focus on skilling extends to developing entrepreneurial and sporting skills.The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in Goa has emerged as a powerful talent hub, with over 230+ graduates among whom are 11 who have donned India colours at the international level. The Vedanta Women’s League has had a massive impact on women’s football in Goa, with cumulatively over 1400 women players having found a platform to develop skills in the sport.

Aspects such as developing entrepreneurial skills as part of Project ‘Jeevika’ and mentoring youth through placement-linked skill training also form a vital part of Sesa Goa’s contribution to skilling.

A holistic approach to skilling will contribute to creating a powerful ecosystem of opportunity for India’s youth. Digital & AI fluency along with technical, vocational and other skills will ensure the fulfilling of the vision of a #ViksitBharat.