For nearly 1,000 young people across Western Odisha, skill development has translated into a first step towards employment and financial independence. TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has trained 995 youth through its Vocational Training Centres in FY26, with 803 securing employments — a placement rate of over 80%. Women have been a significant part of this journey, with 482 women trained and 397 securing employments during the year.
Started in FY23 as part of TPWODL’s CSR efforts towards skill development and livelihood creation, the initiative focuses on bridging the gap between training and employment by equipping youth with practical, workplace-ready skills. Today, TPWODL’s Vocational Training Centres operate across six districts — Bolangir, Baragada, Kalahandi, Sundargada, Sambalpur and Sonepur — offering training in six trades: General Duty Assistant, Electrical, Plumbing, Solar Installer, Customer Care and F&B. The centres are supported by NGO partners Pratham and Orion.
The impact goes beyond the numbers. For many young people, the training has meant a first job, a steady income and greater financial independence for themselves and their families.
Shrabani Sai, who grew up near Bolangir in a family of daily-wage labourers, had long aspired to become financially independent and build a better future for her family. She enrolled in the General Duty Assistant course at TPWODL’s Vocational Training Centre, supported by Pratham. After completing the training, she secured a job at a hospital in Bolangir.
“Coming from a family of daily wage labourers, I always wanted to build a better future for my family. The vocational training supported by TPWODL gave me the skills and confidence to pursue that dream. Completing the GDA course helped me secure a job at a hospital and become financially independent. Today, I can support my family and look ahead with greater confidence. I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” said Shrabani.
A similar journey unfolded for Suraj Oram, whose circumstances changed after the loss of his father, the family’s sole source of income. With greater responsibility on his shoulders, Suraj joined the Customer Cared course. The training helped him strengthen his communication, customer service and soft skills.
Today, Suraj works as a Sales Executive at Reliance Trends in Sambalpur, earning ₹13,000 per month with additional perks.
“When my father passed away, I had to support my family, but I lacked the skills and confidence to find a steady job. Joining the Customer Care Executive course at TPWODL CSR’s Vocational Training Centre completely transformed my technical knowledge and communication skills. Today, I work as a Sales Executive at Reliance Trends earning ₹13,000/month, which has brought financial stability to my household and inspired the youth in my village.” said Suraj.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Parveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, “The future of any region is closely linked to the aspirations and potential of its young people. Through our CSR initiatives, we want to go beyond providing training and create pathways that enable youth to participate meaningfully in the economy and build sustainable livelihoods. Our Vocational Training Centres are an investment in that future — helping young people develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to shape their own lives and contribute to the communities they belong to.”
For TPWODL, the initiative is about building a bridge between learning and earning. By combining skill development with employment-oriented training and placement support, the programme is helping young people take their first steps into the workforce and move towards greater financial independence.
The stories of Shrabani and Suraj are two examples of a larger journey — one where skilling becomes a pathway to opportunity, independence and a new beginning.
