Arvind: Skilled for Work, Ready for Life

Once uncertain of his path, he now shapes the futures of hundreds.

Arvind grew up in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, where his father worked as a motor mechanic. Life was modest but stable, and for many years his family relied on a steady income and a sense of routine. That stability was disrupted when his father fell ill with tuberculosis. As the illness progressed, work became impossible and medical expenses began to mount, placing increasing strain on the family.

In time, they made the difficult decision to return to their native village in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh. It meant leaving behind the life they had built and starting again in a place where opportunities were limited and livelihoods depended largely on subsistence farming. Arvind completed Grade 12, but like many young people around him, he found himself facing an uncertain future.

With few local opportunities and growing financial pressure, migration to a city seemed like the only option. Many of his peers chose this path. Arvind, however, was hesitant. Stories of exploitation, unstable incomes and harsh working conditions made him pause. Without clear guidance or support, he stayed in the village, spending nearly a year trying to find direction while holding onto the hope that he could support his family and build a more secure life.

A turning point came through a chance conversation with a local government teacher, who told him about Pratham’s skilling centre offering free training in drywall and false ceiling installation. Arvind had no prior experience in construction, and it wasn’t something he had imagined for himself. But the opportunity to learn, and to do so in a structured and supportive environment, was enough for him to take a chance.

At the training centre, he began building technical skills from the ground up, learning about materials, systems and installation techniques. Just as importantly, he developed the confidence that had been missing. The programme focused on communication, basic English, digital literacy and workplace readiness, helping him to see himself differently and to recognise what he was capable of.

After completing the course, Arvind was offered a role as a trainer at the same centre. The transition from learner to mentor was a significant moment, giving him the chance to support others who were starting from where he once had been. Soon after, he secured a role with a multinational company in Mumbai as a supervisor. His commitment and capability led to rapid progression, and within a year he was promoted to Senior Supervisor, managing a large team and overseeing multiple supervisors.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to workplaces across the country, Arvind’s leadership was tested in new ways. Many workers were anxious and wanted to return home. He chose to stay and support his team, drawing on the training he had received to implement safety measures and ensure that workers were informed and protected. Among those under his supervision, there were no reported COVID-19 infections. As the situation evolved, he continued to work closely with his organisation and Pratham to ensure that workers had access to food, shelter and a sense of security during an uncertain time.

With a stable income and growing confidence, Arvind was also able to fulfil a long-held goal: building a permanent home for his family. For his parents, it was a moment of pride and relief. For Arvind, it marked a shift from uncertainty to stability, and a reminder of what had once felt out of reach.

Today, he works as a Skill Development Professional, supporting training centres, facilitating job placements and mentoring young people as they take their first steps into the workforce. Alongside this, he is pursuing a degree in Business Administration, specialising in Human Resource Management, so that he can continue to grow and better support others.

Arvind’s journey is not just about one individual’s progress. It is a reflection of what becomes possible when young people are given access to skills, guidance and opportunity at the right time. With the right support, uncertainty can give way to confidence, and potential can turn into lasting change.

For every young person like Arvind, there are many more still waiting for that first opportunity. With continued support, more journeys like his can begin. Donate today to support opportunities that change lives.