NALCO Launches Skill Development Initiative for Rural Youth in Odisha
MoU signed with CTTC Bhubaneswar to enhance employability and create sustainable livelihoods
Bhubaneswar : In a major step towards empowering rural communities, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has launched a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on skill development and employability enhancement for rural youth in Odisha. The initiative aims to bridge the skill gap in industrial regions and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The programme was formally launched on October 7, 2025, when the NALCO Foundation, the company’s CSR arm, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. The signing ceremony, held at NALCO’s corporate office, marks a new partnership between one of India’s leading aluminium producers and a premier technical training institution under the Ministry of MSME.
Under this partnership, 40 rural youths from Odisha will receive high-quality vocational training designed to prepare them for industry-relevant employment. Twenty candidates will be selected from the peripheral villages around NALCO’s Mines and Refinery Complex at Damanjodi, and another twenty from the areas surrounding the company’s Smelter and Power Complex at Angul.
The selected participants will undergo a five-month residential training programme at CTTC Bhubaneswar, fully sponsored by NALCO. The training will cover both theoretical and practical modules, focusing on modern industrial skills, precision manufacturing, and tool-making—areas in high demand across the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
The programme curriculum has been designed in alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring national-level certification recognized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This will enhance the employability of participants, allowing them to pursue careers in diverse industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance services.
Speaking at the MoU signing, Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NALCO, said, “This partnership is a step towards empowering rural youth through skills that match modern industry needs. Our objective is not only to train but also to transform these young individuals into confident, self-reliant professionals. NALCO is deeply committed to contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions where we operate.”
He further added that skill development initiatives such as this strengthen NALCO’s long-term vision of inclusive growth and sustainable community development. The initiative, he said, would also help meet the growing demand for skilled manpower in Odisha’s rapidly industrialising districts.
The initiative reflects NALCO’s holistic approach to CSR, which prioritises education, livelihood generation, and community welfare. By investing in human capital, the company aims to create a positive cycle of growth—where empowered individuals drive local economic development. A skilled and confident workforce not only enhances household incomes but also contributes to the broader progress of the region.
Senior executives of NALCO, including Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma (Director–Production), Dr. Tapas Kumar Pattnayak (Director–HR), and Shri Abhay Kumar Behuria (Director–Finance), were present at the event, highlighting the company’s strong commitment to social responsibility. Officials from CTTC Bhubaneswar also attended, reaffirming their support to make the training impactful and outcome-oriented.
This initiative is a continuation of NALCO’s broader mission to uplift local communities through education, skill enhancement, and employment-linked programs. With its focus on practical learning, certified training, and industry integration, the programme is expected to open up new opportunities for rural youth—transforming them from job seekers into skilled professionals.
Through this partnership, NALCO not only reinforces its position as an industry leader but also as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Odisha, fostering a future where skill, confidence, and opportunity go hand in hand.
