A model SDC
India has a major competitive advantage due to its demographic dividend as the abundant labour force makes it well placed to achieve domestic growth goals1. According to an S&P Global analysis, India’s population will continue to grow over the next 10 years. In this light, it becomes crucial to train the sizable Indian youth population in industry-relevant skills.
Under the Skill India mission, the Indian government, through more than 20 central ministries/departments, is implementing various skill development schemes across the country2.
Skill training and development are vital for harnessing the potential of India’s youth, reducing unemployment, fostering economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and achieving social empowerment.
Why SDC Ratnagiri?
Skill Tree Consulting recognizes India’s potential and works on several projects to upskill and train the next generation. In India, Maharashtra is one of the most industrialized states, but it still faces difficulties in equipping young people with skills that are important to the business.
The state government aimed to solve this issue by training its youth with skills that are relevant to the region. Ratnagiri’s geography is crucial to its economy as it is known for agriculture and tourism. Taking this into consideration, Skill Tree set up a Skill Development Centre (SDC) in Ratnagiri that offered various courses in hospitality to its local youth and other candidates.
Across India, several SDCs have been set up by the government to impart training in various sectors such as IT, healthcare, retail, automotive and hospitality among others. SDC is a comprehensive infrastructure which includes a combination of physical infrastructure like labs, both digital and physical content, experienced resources in the form of trainers, offering courses in the areas of skill development under identified sectors, through a structured framework, that follows highest quality standards.
The Skill Tree Expertise
Such initiatives align with government efforts like the Skill India Mission. By empowering individuals with practical skills, the SDC contributes significantly in promoting sustainable development in the region.
Skill Tree joined hands with the government of Maharashtra to set up a SDC in Ratnagiri. The project began in early 2023 and was divided into three phases which included construction, procurement, content, enrolment and implementation.
One of the first steps in the project was to construct the skill development centre and procure equipment and furniture. Simultaneously, the Skill Tree team also began recruiting instructors to ensure the smooth running of SDC. With Skill Tree’s experience in infrastructure, tech and vocational training, the SDC Ratnagiri tested us on all three parameters. We successfully managed to complete Phase 1 and got the SDC up and running with several candidates enrolled and ready to be trained. We also managed to offer skill training courses in several job roles such as front office executive, housekeeping executive, guest service associate, kitchen helper, tour manager, tour guide and commis chef among several others.
The Skill Tree Effect
Skill Tree Consulting’s relentless efforts bore fruit as 11 labs were established and training courses kicked off at SDC Ratnagiri within the stipulated timeline. So far, the project has enrolled 2,272 candidates, trained 1,135 candidates and 1,075 of them have been successfully placed with several hotel chains and businesses in Maharashtra. SDC Ratnagiri has also made its mark in the professional space as it has collaborated with 80 partners for training and placement. With an NSDC Certification provided on completion of the course, Skill Tree launched a total of 62 batches across various courses. These achievements have helped us build a model Skill Development Centre that aims to empower local youth by training and skilling them to effectively add to India’s growth trajectory.
