ESL Steel Marks World Youth Skills Day with Skill Development, Digital Learning Push

Bokaro: Marking World Youth Skills Day, ESL Steel Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment by highlighting its initiatives in skill development, digital education, sports and sustainable livelihoods. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Skills for a Shared Future,” the company’s community programmes have impacted more than one lakh people across Bokaro and nearby areas.

A flagship initiative, the Vedanta ESL Skill School, has emerged as a major driver of employability. Since its launch in 2022, the residential, placement-linked training centre has trained over 700 youth in trades such as Solar PV Installation and Home Appliance Repair, with more than 400 candidates securing jobs in the organised sector.

To improve digital access in rural Jharkhand, ESL Steel has established Digital Learning Cafés under Project AAS Vidyalaya, enabling students to benefit from technology-enabled education while enhancing digital literacy and academic performance.

Ravish Sharma, CEO and Whole-Time Director of ESL Steel Limited, said investing in youth remains central to the company’s vision of inclusive growth.

“Through skill development, digital learning and sports, we are equipping young people with the confidence and opportunities needed to build successful careers while contributing to stronger and more resilient communities,” he said.

The company is also promoting sporting excellence through the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, which has trained over 50 archers who have collectively won more than 200 medals at district, state and national competitions. Additionally, its rural sports initiatives have engaged over 400 youth, fostering fitness, discipline and leadership.

Women’s economic empowerment continues to be another key focus. Under Project JIVIKA, ESL Steel supports self-help groups and promotes livelihood activities such as tailoring, mushroom cultivation and other micro-enterprises, helping women achieve financial independence.

The company said its integrated initiatives in skill development, education, sports and livelihood promotion are creating long-term opportunities for youth and women while contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.