World Skill Center Bhubaneswar: Empowering Young Girls & Women with Skill Development

Bhubaneswar, 28 January, 2024: The young girls of Odisha have shown increased determination over the years to engage in skill development programs and become independent. The first step towards such empowerment is developing confidence and requisite skills to build a successful career. The stats show a sharp hike in girls enrolling in skill development centres and bagging jobs in National and Multinational Corporations.

Enrollment of girls into World Skill Center (WSC) has increased in the last 3 years. Starting with 26 in the initial batch, the numbers increased to 157 in second, 262 in third, & 342 in fourth batch. The numbers paint an inspiring picture of how girls have developed an interest towards upskilling themselves to grab the opportunities and exposure offered at WSC.

Laxmi Hansdah, from Dharamdih in Mayurbhanj said that she dreamt to pursue a new and advanced course in this premier skill training institute, post completion of her course at TTI Takatpur.

“It is the placement opportunities and the new course ‘Vertical Transportation’ that motivated me to break the stereotype of women not choosing technical subjects. Coming from a small village, the opportunity to travel overseas is a chance to transform my life,” said Laxmi. The Advanced Certificate in Facility Technology ‘Vertical Transportation’ includes installation, commissioning and maintenance of lifts, escalators and travelators.

“My mother works as a house keeper & my late father was a farmer. They entrusted me with confidence and provided unwavering support throughout my life. I have enjoyed learning the advance skills in WSC. The confidence instilled in me through the hands-on training and life skills modules has paved the way for my selection with a prominent corporation like Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) by Tata Group”, says Lija Pala of Ganjam district, Odisha. Lija currently works as a Spa Therapist in Taj Cidade de Goa post completing a 1-year advance course in ‘Beauty Wellness & Spa’ at WSC.

Opportunities for girls in Odisha are increasing with time. In line with industry demands, various advanced courses along with training are being provided to the students at WSC. Equipped with quality skill training in WSC, the industry-ready students are capable to work in both national & international job locations.

To encourage more girls opt for technical education and training, the government of Odisha has launched the ‘Sudakshya’ scheme. Under the scheme, girls can enroll in World Skill Center without paying any fee. Besides, every student is provided with free uniform, hostel accommodation, food and bus transport facility.

Under the ‘Student Exchange Program’ (SEP) every year, 40 students are sent to Singapore for 2 weeks, to give overseas experience. Similarly, 24 students are selected each year & sent to Singapore for a 6-month paid internship program (SIP). Similarly, students participate in campus placement offered by World Skill Center & get jobs in diverse corners of the world including India.