Red Cross school equips youth with job-ready skills

As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, centres like the Red Cross School of Vocational Learning in Hoshiarpur play a critical role in shaping India’s workforce.

The centre, which offers skill development courses ranging from three months to one year, provides students with the practical knowledge and certifications needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Founded over 20 years ago and renovated with state-of-the-art facilities in 2023 under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Vardhman Threads, the centre is committed to bridging the gap between education and employment. “This place not only teaches a skill-it gives you a purpose,” said Mangesh Sood, the centre’s secretary, highlighting the underlying philosophy of the initiative.

With a focus on vocational training, the Red Cross Skill Centre in Hoshiarpur is empowering young men and women in both urban and rural areas by providing them with job-oriented skills. It aims to make youth employable and self-reliant by offering quality skill education and guidance. Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, the centre has grown significantly in recent years.

Since its modernisation in 2023, the centre has trained around 700 youths, with more than 200 currently enrolled in various programmes. Students are enrolled in courses such as Computer Fundamentals (64 students), Beauty and Wellness (70 students), Tailoring and Fashion Designing (46 students) and English Punjabi Typing and Stenography (30 students). In addition, two batches of the Professional Accountancy course have graduated. Many students have successfully secured jobs in private companies, started small businesses, or are now offering freelance services within their communities.

The Red Cross provides not just training, but also placement and guidance for students to launch their careers. Secretary Mangesh Sood shared that the centre is empanelled with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) and is continuously expanding its course offerings. In the pipeline are advanced courses in Beautician training, Fashion Designing and Material Handling.

With its growing impact, the Red Cross Skill Centre remains a crucial stepping stone for youth empowerment in Hoshiarpur and the surrounding regions. By blending practical training with employment assistance, the centre is not just changing careers-it’s changing lives.

Jalandhar