Imparting skill training to youth is crucial for reasons like boosting employment opportunities, economic growth, reducing brain drain, personal growth, addressing industry needs and promoting entrepreneurship. By imparting skill training to youth in India, the country can harness the potential of its demographic dividend, drive economic growth, and create a more prosperous future.
India needs future-ready skills to stay competitive in the global job market and leverage its demographic dividend. With the country’s youthful population and growing economy, investing in skills like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and green technologies can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
July 15 is observed as World Youth Skills Day with an aim to emphasize upon skilling the youth with the contemporary skills to empower them and promote economic development. With the advent of generative AI and other technologies, a lot of traditional jobs are facing existential crisis. Amid this, it is important to ensure that there is a workforce which is skilled and ready to work in the new environment using new technologies.
Let us look at the top CSR initiatives that are working towards skilling the youth.
CSR of FedEx to train youth in AI, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security
Transportation company FedEx Express in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, has supported the training of over 1,500 young individuals in fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, supply chain management, and warehouse operations. The curriculum combines technical instruction with job readiness, communication, and workplace skills to support the transition from learning to earning.
“India’s youth represent a critical strategic advantage; empowering them with industry-relevant skills is essential to driving the nation’s economic growth,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president, marketing, customer experience, and air network, FedEx, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa. “We’re committed to equipping young individuals with practical, real-world experience that prepares them to seize opportunities and help shape the future.”
To date, nearly 930 youth have secured employment through these programs, with roles spanning technology, healthcare, logistics, retail, and e-commerce. Starting salaries range between ₹13,000 and ₹18,000 per month, with some earning packages upto ₹30,000.
Delivered under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), the programs combine classroom instruction with practical exposure, life skills, and mentorship. Over 60% of participants have been women, many entering the formal workforce for the first time. The initiative aligns with national priorities around employability, digital skilling, and inclusive economic growth.
CSR of Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered, under its flagship community initiative Futuremakers, has announced its partnership with Sambhav Foundation to equip 5,160 young Indians with cutting-edge skills in emerging sectors. The initiative focuses on specialised training in – Electric Vehicles (EV), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics — industries that are shaping the jobs of tomorrow.
The three-year project, which has just commenced, has been rolled out across centres in Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Tinsukia (Doom Dooma, Assam), with a strong emphasis on preparing youth for sustainable, high-demand career opportunities. The programme also offers job placement support, ensuring that participants can seamlessly transition into meaningful employment in these sectors.
As India emerges as a global hub for technology and green innovation, addressing the skills gap is essential to ensure that the youth are job-ready rather than merely job-seeking. Initiatives focused on such skill development in high-growth areas like EV and AI are therefore crucial. By equipping them with relevant, in-demand skills, especially in major economic centres, such initiatives not only meet immediate workforce needs but also drive long-term, inclusive economic growth.
This initiative marks Standard Chartered’s renewal of its existing partnership with Sambhav Foundation to equip underserved youth with employable skills. In the earlier phase, 2,280 individuals were trained in sectors such as BFSI, Tally, and Data Analysis. Similarly, the Bank, late last year, had signed another partnership with GTT foundation to train 613 youth across Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal in the EV sector.
CSR of Reddipalayam Cement Works
Reddipalayam Cement Works empowers rural youth through digital and vocational skill training. Reddipalayam Cement Works, UltraTech’s integrated cement manufacturing unit located in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu, conducts skill development programmes such as tailoring and driving training.
In addition to these, the unit also conducts income generation programmes to equip local youth with the skills needed to start their own businesses, such as training on the manufacture and processing of phenyl, sambrani, camphor, and coffee powder production.
Over the past few years, the unit’s tailoring training programme has successfully trained over 1000 women from the surrounding villages, with over 400 of them having started their own businesses at home. These have helped enhance trainees’ entrepreneurial spirit, as well as help many local youths establish careers or businesses along their chosen paths, as per a press statement by the company.
CSR of Hinduja Foundation
Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hinduja Group is equipping India’s youth with transformative, future-ready skills through its CSR initiatives. The Foundation focuses on education and livelihood programmes.
On the skilling front, nearly 1 lakh youth have been empowered through the Road to Livelihood (RTL) program and other dedicated initiatives like vocational training, enhancing digital fluency, communication, and workforce readiness.
On the education front, as of FY25, over 7.4 lakh youth across 15+ states have benefitted from programs such as Road to School (RTS), Road to Livelihood (RTL), the Haryana Development Impact Bond, and other group-led education initiatives. While RTS and the Haryana DIB focus on foundational education, RTL bridges both education and employability.
CSR of Cairn Oil & Gas
Cairn Oil & Gas, an oil and gas exploration and production company by Vedanta Group, has been undertaking programmes to bridge the skill gap in India by nurturing young talent and preparing them for a brighter future and a dynamic job market. The company has provided skill-based training programs to nearly 25,000 Youth across its operational areas enabling thousands of them to become entrepreneurs and many others to gain employment.
Through its two dedicated training centres in Rajasthan – Cairn Enterprise Centre (CEC) in Barmer and Cairn Centre of Excellence (CCOE) in Jodhpur – Cairn has been driving skill development through vocational programs focused on enhancing employability, entrepreneurship and generating sustainable livelihoods for youth. To date, the company has successfully trained over 20,000 youth from the region, across 15 sectors and 35 job roles through its Barmer Hub Center and 56 spoke centres.
HDFC Parivartan
HDFC Bank has imparted skill training, covering high-demand sectors like IT/ITeS, healthcare and manufacturing, to about 3.25 lakh youth in the last 10 years under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Skill development and livelihood enhancement is a key focus area of the bank’s Parivartan programme, its umbrella brand for all CSR initiatives. The bank is currently working on over 100 projects in the area of Skill Development across different states, covering multiple sectors, including IT/ITeS, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
HDFC Bank Parivartan’s youth training programmes since 2014 are addressing gaps in equipping young people with essential skills, knowledge, and competencies to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. These training programmes come with certifications from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Council, or other qualified non-government agencies, and offer targeted training to prepare youth for successful careers and entrepreneurial ventures in key industries.
“Our Parivartan training programmes are designed not only to provide vocational skills linked with market demands but also to instill confidence and ambition in young minds,” HDFC Bank Head of CSR Nusrat Pathan said.
By collaborating with partners and focusing on sectors with high growth potential, the bank is committed to bridging the skills gap and creating a robust and inclusive workforce for the future, she added.
‘Climate Skills – Seeds for Transition’ Project
British Council in partnership with HSBC India, launched the “Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India” project. This initiative aims to equip young people and communities in India with the skills needed to be resilient to the impending impact of climate change and to contribute to the opportunities of the transition to net zero.
The programme is part of British Council’s long-term international effort to establish a global climate skills approach that empowers youth, informs decision-makers about alternative climate education strategies, and addresses grassroots, national, and global climate challenges. It seeks to go beyond discussion and partner with governments, communities, and institutions to create tangible solutions for the future generation to better understand the impact of climate change across all aspects of life and equip them with the necessary skills needed in the wake of climate change.
The project works with young people aged 18-30 in five countries including India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Vietnam.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, British Council said, “At the British Council, we are committed to empowering young people with the skillsand knowledge necessary to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Our partnership with HSBC on the ‘Climate Skills—Seeds for Transition India’ project reflects our shared vision of a more sustainable future. By equipping youth with essential climate resilience skills, they can lead the transition to greener economies and drive positive change in their communities. These skills are increasingly critical as we consider projections for the life of our planet and its natural resources.”
Speaking on the partnership, Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC India, said, “We have a long history of collaboration with the British Council and the co-creation of programmes that help achieve a larger social purpose. Our partnership on the Climate Skills programme will focus on youth and education, reflecting our joint commitment in equipping the younger generation to understand and adapt to climate change. Together, we aim to improve climate literacy and employability among marginalized youth communities in India.”
Running from July 2024 to February 2026, the project aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, higher educational institutions, and young people, encouraging participation and engagement. It seeks to directly engage 2,000 youth and train 300 master trainers in India/in each delivery country.
The initiative highlights the British Council’s leadership in climate action and its upcoming global climate change strategy. This UK-led international collaboration aims to resource local organisations, empower youth to take climate action, and provide alternative climate education approaches. A unique aspect of the programme is its focus on empowering both urban and rural youth by integrating youth-led social action with climate education. The programme’s international connectivity aims to deliver locally led interventions and connects them with a global network across five countries.
Generation Green Campaign
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and OPPO India announced ‘Generation Green’ campaign. The 100-day programme—managed by 1M1B (One Million for One Billion)—promotes green skills among the youth through 5,000 internship opportunities across colleges in India.
Students from all streams, technical and non-technical, can participate in this internship program. The interns will undertake a range of hands-on activities that will inculcate their skills in project management, sustainability practices, effective communication, collaboration, research, and data analysis, enhancing their overall employability. Students will take the Green Pledge and participate in awareness sessions, E-surveys, and Green Day celebrations.
These efforts aim to increase environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among students. All Interns who complete the programme’s activities will receive certificates jointly accredited by AICTE, OPPO India, and 1M1B.
Skill Development Initiative by NIIT Foundation and Angel One
India, home to one of the world’s largest – and youngest – workforce continues to face persistent challenges of finding their desired jobs. Despite the rise and growth of significant industries such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), and Information Technology (IT), among others, most of the country’s workforce struggles to achieve their desired jobs.
Addressing the need to bridge the skill gap, NIIT Foundation, in collaboration with Angel One has initiated a joint program aimed at providing training enhancing employability skills tailored to the industries’ needs. Central to their mission is the recognition that children/youth hailing from underprivileged communities often face limited access to essential resources, thereby leading to unequitable access to opportunities.
Launched in 2022, the collaborative initiative provides free-of-cost online courses to students aged between 18 and 28 years old, focusing on BFSI and BPO segments. Using a multifaceted approach by combining self-learning and instructor-led training modules through a Learning Management System (LMS), the program is catered to enable beneficiaries – often belonging to underserved communities – for developing employable skills, including functional English, basic IT knowledge, and sectoral proficiencies, thereby enhancing their employability prospects.
Since its inception, the program has witnessed a significant participation from female beneficiaries, with 58% female enrolments as compared to their male counterparts. Simultaneously, 71% of the total candidates (3,474 beneficiaries) successfully received placement in organizations such as Quess Corp, C-Tech, Findrive Services, HDB Financial, and DBS Mintek Pvt Ltd – demonstrating the project’s efficacy in equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment.
The impact of this program reaches far and wide, across various states and territories such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi NCR, and Karnataka. With the enrolment phase commenced in April 2024, the program is geared towards enhancing the skills and employability prospects of 3,750 youth from underprivileged backgrounds.