INDIA: Students access high-quality skills training

Training center, state-of-the-art lab opened
(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Chinchwad in India inaugurated the Don Bosco Blue Star Training Center to give youth access to high-quality skills training. Salesians have partnered with Blue Star, a leading heating, ventilation, air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company. The Theory Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the learning experience of the trainees, was also inaugurated.
An event was held to launch the center with dignitaries from Blue Star and Don Bosco in attendance. Akshat Sharma, vice-president of technical training of Blue Star; N. Kumaresan, deputy general manager of training from Blue Star; and Father Blany Pinto, provincial councilor; cut the ribbon signifying the start of the Blue Star Training Center.
In Sharma’s speech, he emphasized that the partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of youth. He encouraged the groups to work on creating a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable and equipped to drive innovation.
Fr. Pinto commended the collaborative initiative between Don Bosco Chinchwad and Blue Star for empowering deserving students through vocational training. Emphasizing Don Bosco’s philosophy of holistic development, he said that it is the mission of every Salesian institute to help youth grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. He also expressed his gratitude to Blue Star for establishing a state-of-the-art lab for the air conditioning refrigeration course to enhance the training infrastructure.
Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.
India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.
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Sources:
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ANS – India – Inauguration of Don Bosco Blue Star Training Centre at Chinchwad
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India