Industry-led skilling initiatives have the potential to create impact beyond employment by strengthening local talent ecosystems, improving livelihoods, and supporting community development. The Aditya Birla Skills Centres (ABSCs), supported by Hindalco, represent one such model that combines industry expertise, practical training, and a strong commitment to workforce readiness.
In this conversation, Mr. Samik Basu, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Hindalco, speaks with Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and Director, National Skills Network-NSN, about the ABSC model, the role of industry in shaping employability, the importance of aspiration-building among youth, and the skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving world of work.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. What makes the ABSC model different from other skilling initiatives?
A. One of the key strengths of the Aditya Birla Skills Centre (ABSC) model is the involvement of trainers with industry experience. Many of our faculty members have worked in industry and understand workplace realities, expectations, and challenges.
The centres primarily train youth from communities around our operations, especially those who have completed Class 10 or Class 12 and are looking for employment opportunities. Our programmes are practical, industry-focused, and typically range from two to six months. This approach helps learners become job-ready from day one. More importantly, our focus is not just on placements but on long-term employability. Follow-up studies show encouraging retention rates, indicating that learners are able to adapt to workplaces and build sustainable careers.
Q. How do the centres ensure industry-relevant training and workplace readiness?
A. At ABSC, we are committed to maintaining industry standards because we believe in the value of quality skilling. This commitment goes beyond infrastructure and equipment. We continuously invest in upgrading facilities, strengthening trainer capabilities, and updating curricula to keep pace with industry requirements.
Our centres also benefit from support from nearby Hindalco plants, which helps ensure that infrastructure and training environments remain current and relevant.
Beyond technical skills, we place strong emphasis on workplace readiness. Learners are trained in communication, discipline, safety practices, quality standards, and professional behaviour. These foundational skills play an important role in helping them succeed and remain employable over the long term.
Q. How does Hindalco view skilling as part of community development?
A. At Hindalco, skilling is not viewed simply as a CSR activity. It is closely aligned with the Aditya Birla Group’s purpose of enriching lives and building responsible institutions that create trust and long-term value. The Aditya Birla Skills Centres are operated directly by Hindalco through group trusts, with active involvement from leaders across functions.
This ensures ownership, quality, and sustained commitment. By providing young people with access to industry-relevant skills and career opportunities, we aim to strengthen local talent ecosystems and contribute to the long-term development of communities around our operations. As the initiative grows, we plan to scale the initiative to more locations.
Q. How can skilling help build aspirations among young people from underserved communities?
A. We are seeing a significant shift in aspirations, even in remote parts of the country. Many young people, including first-generation learners, are looking beyond educational qualifications and seeking skills that can help them build meaningful careers and improve their quality of life.
Industry-led skilling helps bridge this gap by providing access to relevant training, exposure to workplace expectations, and clear pathways to employment.
Q. What skills will matter most in the future of work?
A. The future of work is becoming increasingly skills driven. Continuous learning, adaptability, and the ability to upgrade skills regularly are becoming essential for long-term employability. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are changing how work is performed across industries. As a result, individuals need to learn how to work alongside technology and create value beyond what technology can do on its own. Human capabilities such as judgment, resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are becoming increasingly important. That is why ABSC focuses on both technical skills and workplace readiness.
