Building Brighter Futures: How Pratham’s Skilling Programme is empowering India’s young people

India boasts one of the world’s youngest and largest workforces, yet many young people face significant barriers such as limited skill development opportunities, reduced employment prospects, and low female labour force participation. Which is why Pratham established the Pratham Skilling Programme to address these challenges by offering employable skills and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

Pratham launched its vocational skilling, entrepreneurship and livelihoods arm in 2005 and re-designed its training model in 2020 to incorporate new digital resources and launch a “Hybrid Skilling” programme which is now active across an incredible 17 states through 140+ centres.

Pratham’s Skilling Programme has built a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals who have secured meaningful jobs and positively impacted their communities. The programme reaches more than 30,000 young people annually, with a commitment to increasing female participation from 42% to 50%, particularly in non-traditional trades such as mechanics and engineering.

The programme was initially focused on sectors such as hospitality and healthcare, however it has now grown to include the care economy, STEM, green skills, and IT services. Other key initiatives include entrepreneurship development, upward mobility, and community-based training models that empower students to advance in their careers and foster sustainable livelihoods within their communities.

These initiatives are also tailored to evolving market needs, ensuring that students not only acquire essential skills but also receive ongoing support to succeed in dynamic industries. Discover more about our Skilling Programme here.

Our goal is to enable every young person with the resources they need to follow their dreams. Join us by making a donation today!