Jharkhand News : Marking World Youth Skills Day, ESL Steel Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), reiterated its commitment to creating a future-ready workforce through skill development, digital education, entrepreneurship and sports.
Aligned with this year’s World Youth Skills Day theme, “Skills for a Shared Future,” the company’s community development initiatives have positively impacted more than one lakh people, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods in and around its operational areas.
Recognising the need for a skilled workforce as India advances towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, ESL Steel has been investing in technical, vocational and digital training to improve employability among young people.
A key initiative is the Vedanta ESL Skill School in Bokaro, which offers residential, placement-linked training in industry-relevant trades such as Solar PV Installation and Home Appliance Repair. Since its launch in 2022, the institute has trained over 700 youths, with more than 400 securing jobs in the organised sector.
To improve digital access in rural Jharkhand, the company has also set up digital learning cafés under Project AAS Vidyalaya, enabling students to access technology-enabled education. The initiative has helped improve digital literacy and academic learning among thousands of students and young learners.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravish Sharma, CEO and Whole-Time Director of ESL Steel Limited, said, “At ESL Steel, we believe that investing in people is the most meaningful investment we can make. Through initiatives like the Vedanta ESL Skill School, digital learning centres and sports development programmes, we are equipping young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build successful careers. Empowering youth through education and employability is central to our vision of creating inclusive and sustainable growth for the communities we serve.”
Beyond education and employability, ESL Steel is promoting sports through the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, which has trained more than 50 young archers. The academy’s trainees have won over 200 medals at district, state and national-level competitions. The company’s rural sports programmes have also engaged more than 400 youths from nearby villages, encouraging fitness, discipline and leadership.
The company is also focusing on women’s economic empowerment through Project JIVIKA, supporting self-help groups and providing training in tailoring, mushroom cultivation and other livelihood activities to help women become financially independent.
Through its integrated initiatives in skill development, digital education, sports and livelihood promotion, ESL Steel aims to create greater opportunities for youth and women while contributing to inclusive growth and supporting the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
