Aditya Birla Skill Centre ushers in a new era of hope for Odisha’s youth

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 22, 2025

The Aditya Birla Skill Centre, established by the Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco in Baraipali, Sambalpur, has emerged as a beacon of transformation for hundreds of young men and women in the region. Far from being a charitable initiative, the centre empowers youth by equipping them with skills, confidence, and pathways to build meaningful careers.

Since its inception in May 2024, the centre has been offering comprehensive skill development and enhancement programmes in a variety of sectors, including Electrical Technician, Consumer Durable Technician, Fashion Technician, Retail Sales Associate, and Financial Services. These programmes not only impart technical know-how but also focus on holistic personality development through communication skills, digital literacy, life skills, and financial education — ensuring participants are thoroughly prepared for real-world challenges.

To date, 333 aspirants have enrolled in the centre’s training programmes. Of these, 196 have successfully completed their courses. Impressively, 146 of them have already secured employment across sectors such as retail, garments, banking, and service centres, while nine have ventured into entrepreneurship. Another 94 candidates are actively pursuing job opportunities, with 178 awaiting placement. On average, graduates from the Aditya Birla Skill Centre (ABSC) are earning approximately Rs 12,810 per month.

Commenting on the initiative, Kailash Pandey, Mining Business Head and Head of the Sambalpur Cluster, said, “At Hindalco, we believe that empowerment begins with education. The Skill Centre is more than just a classroom — it’s a bridge between potential and purpose. We are proud to be part of journeys that transform lives and livelihoods.”

The training at ABSC goes well beyond conventional academics. The curriculum is designed to build leadership, communication, time management, and stress management skills. Trainees also receive essential digital literacy education, including MS Office, internet usage, and digital finance awareness.

The impact of this initiative is both visible and deeply personal. Young individuals who once lacked confidence are now attending interviews with poise, contributing to their household incomes, and serving as role models within their communities. For many women, the centre has not just opened doors to employment but also ushered in a new sense of dignity and self-worth.

“At the Aditya Birla Skill Centre, every success story is not merely about getting a job — it’s about empowerment. It’s about turning hesitation into expression, and dreams into dignity,” Pandey added.

Sharing his experience, Ajay Kumar Bagh from Dehripali, Sambalpur, spoke of his personal journey. After a serious accident left him bedridden for three years, Ajay felt demoralized and isolated. Refusing to give up, he joined the FSA (Financial Services Associate) training programme at ABSC during his recovery. With unwavering determination and community support, he successfully secured a position as a TCO at Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.

Praising the initiative, Shankar Charan Murmu, Deputy Director of Skill Development & Employment, stated, “ABSC in Sambalpur district is doing a commendable job by providing skill development training across multiple sectors to the region’s job aspirants. The centre boasts excellent infrastructure and a dedicated team of skilled professionals and staff. It has been a valuable partner in our collective effort to address the current employment crisis. I extend my best wishes to the institute for continuing this momentum in the future.”