Vocational training workshop held to empower youth at Red Cross IRCA
The Red Cross Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) in Nawanshahr hosted a comprehensive workshop on Sunday on vocational training, aimed at equipping youth—particularly those undergoing rehabilitation—with essential skills to help them build a brighter future.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the variety of vocational courses and government-supported schemes available for youth empowerment and employment.
Dr Sandeep Kumar, District Employment Officer, Nawanshahr, was the key speaker at the event. He emphasised the collaborative efforts of both the Indian and Punjab governments to promote skill-based learning.
Dr Kumar informed the gathering that various vocational courses, ranging from short-term to long-term durations, are now easily accessible to youth. He further stressed that engaging in skill development not only paves the way for financial independence but also serves as an effective means to stay away from negative influences and harmful habits.
“Vocational training keeps an individual positively engaged, helps in earning a livelihood, and reduces the risk of falling back into bad habits,” Dr Kumar stated.
He also mentioned that several free training schemes are currently available through government initiatives, with plans to launch additional weekly-duration courses to increase participation. He assured that these updates would be shared with the Red Cross Centre to benefit the inmates.
Shammi Thakur from the District Employment Office provided participants with detailed information on specific courses that inmates and youth can pursue to develop employable skills. He also briefed the attendees about government-backed loan schemes, which come with low-interest rates, making it easier for young individuals to start small businesses or ventures after completing their training.
Chaman Singh, Project Director of the Red Cross Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts, expressed gratitude to the District Employment Office team for sharing valuable information and motivating the inmates toward self-reliance. “Learning skills for livelihood is not just about employment; it shapes our thinking and builds confidence. Skilled youth are the catalysts for positive change in society,” he said, emphasising the long-term benefits of vocational training.
The workshop was attended by Raj Kumar and Amit Kumar from the District Employment Office, as well as dedicated Red Cross staff members, including Parvesh Kumar, Manjit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Jaswinder Kaur, Kamaljeet Kaur, Kamla Rani, Parveen Kumari, and Komalpreet, along with several inmates of the rehabilitation centre.
The event concluded with an interactive session, during which participants raised queries about the courses, training schedules, and loan application procedures.
Jalandhar