THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, APRIL 9, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and industry-ready skill development, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), has successfully completed the first training batch under its CSR-supported vocational program aimed at strengthening employability among local youth and supporting the growing needs of the maritime and logistics sectors.

The initiative has delivered impressive results, achieving a 100 percent placement rate for the first cohort of 25 students selected from a pool of 168 applicants. Most participants, aged between 20 and 22 years, have secured job opportunities in logistics and supply chain sectors across key industrial hubs including Coimbatore, Hosur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam.

The valedictory ceremony held at Paradip Port celebrated the achievement of the trainees, where certificates were awarded to all 25 candidates who successfully completed the Supply Chain Management programme, marking the first phase of the larger skill development initiative.

The event was attended by P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, along with T. Venugopal, Deputy Chairman, Krishna Bapi Raju G, Secretary, and other senior officials of the Port Authority. Representing CEMS, Commander Gopi Krishna Sivvam, IN (Retd.), Chief Operating Officer, along with senior members of the organisation, graced the occasion and applauded the strong industry alignment of the programme.

Highlighting the regional focus of the initiative, the PPA Chairman emphasised that the programme is designed exclusively for the youth of Odisha, enabling them to build sustainable careers and achieve financial independence. He noted that structured skill development plays a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment, particularly in sectors witnessing rapid expansion such as logistics, maritime services and supply chain management.

PPA has earmarked ₹40 lakh for the current year to support the programme, which is currently running six batches simultaneously and training approximately 140–160 students annually. Encouraged by the strong response and positive outcomes, the Port Authority has also urged CEMS to expand the curriculum to include specialised domains such as shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime operations, thereby broadening career pathways for aspiring candidates.

CEMS, supported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and promoted by the Indian Register of Shipping, has trained more than 25,000 candidates across the country since 2019, contributing significantly to the development of a skilled workforce aligned with evolving industry demands.

With additional batches already planned, the initiative is set to further strengthen local workforce capabilities, promote inclusive growth and support the industrial ecosystem of the region, while empowering Odisha’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive employment landscape.