From villages to corporate workplaces, BALCO initiative opens new career pathways for women across Chhattisgarh
TFP Bureau, Korba, March 13,2026: A silent yet significant transformation is taking place in the industrial regions of Chhattisgarh as increasing numbers of young women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds step into professional roles across industries. Through structured training, industry exposure and skill development, many women who once had limited employment prospects are now building careers in manufacturing, hospitality, technical services and renewable energy sectors.
At the centre of this change is BALCO’s Vedanta Skill School, which is providing technical training and career opportunities to rural youth, particularly women. The institution has become an important platform for equipping young women with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to secure jobs, gain financial independence and contribute to their families’ livelihoods.
For many participants, the training offered at the skill school represents more than just employment. It is an opportunity to reshape their personal journeys and create new possibilities for their families and communities.
Journey towards self-reliance
One such story is that of Pooja Sotkar, whose life reflects determination and resilience. After losing her parents at a young age, she grew up in a girls’ shelter in Korba. Despite the challenges she faced, Pooja maintained a strong curiosity about technology and electronics.
Her interest led her to enrol in the Mobile Phone Hardware Repair Technician programme at Vedanta Skill School. Through practical training and hands-on exposure to electronic systems, she developed technical expertise and confidence in the field.
The training eventually opened the door to a job opportunity at Tata Electronics in Bengaluru, where she now works as an operator. With a starting annual cost-to-company package of more than ₹2 lakh along with additional benefits, Pooja has begun building a stable and independent life.
She said the training programme not only helped her gain technical skills but also gave her the confidence to stand on her own feet.
Breaking barriers in technical fields
Another inspiring example is Kajal Sandey from Godhi village in Korba district. Coming from a rural background, Kajal chose to pursue a career in the electrical field, an area traditionally dominated by men.
After completing her ITI in Electrical, she joined Vedanta Skill School to gain practical industrial exposure. During the training programme, she learned about electrical systems, safety practices, use of industrial tools and workplace discipline.
The technical training helped her secure an apprenticeship opportunity at BALCO. Over time, she progressed in her career and now holds supervisory responsibilities at the company.
Kajal said the training provided her with the confidence and technical knowledge required to succeed in an industrial work environment, enabling her to achieve a goal that once seemed difficult.
Opportunities in the service sector
Vedanta Skill School has also opened doors for women in the hospitality industry. Manisha Ratre, another trainee, benefited from the Food and Beverage Service Steward training programme.
The course focused on professional service skills, communication, customer interaction and hospitality standards, preparing trainees for careers in hotels and service establishments.
Manisha said the programme significantly boosted her confidence and helped her secure employment in the hospitality sector. Today, she has become the primary earning member of her family and is also supporting her younger sister’s education.
Her journey reflects how skill development initiatives can empower women not only economically but also socially by strengthening their role within the family.
Entry into renewable energy sector
The programme has also created opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy. Purnima Ratre from Janjgir-Champa district enrolled in the Solar PV Installer training programme at the institute.
Through the course, she gained knowledge about solar panel installation, electrical systems and the fundamentals of renewable energy technology.
The training enabled her to enter the fast-growing green energy ecosystem. Purnima has now secured employment with Foxconn Precision Engineering in Bengaluru, marking the beginning of her professional career in the technology sector.
She said the programme helped her develop technical knowledge and opened new career possibilities that were previously unimaginable for many rural women.
Changing social perceptions
Officials associated with the initiative say the impact of the skill development programme extends far beyond individual job placements. As more women from villages begin working in industries, offices and service sectors across the country, traditional social perceptions about women’s roles are gradually changing.
Young women trained at Vedanta Skill School are now working in various companies across India, including manufacturing units, technology firms and hospitality organisations. Their success stories are inspiring other girls in rural communities to pursue education and skill training.
The initiative has helped create a new sense of aspiration among women, demonstrating how access to training and employment opportunities can transform lives.
About Vedanta Skill School
Vedanta Skill School operates as a five-star rated SMART centre recognised by the Government of India. The institution is accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and various Sector Skills Councils.
Since its establishment in 2010, the training facility has provided skill development opportunities to more than 14,000 rural youth, with women accounting for over 70 per cent of the trainees.
The centre offers free residential training programmes across seven trades, including sewing machine operator, electrician, welding, hospitality services, fitter and alignment, solar PV technician and mobile phone repair technician.
In addition to technical training, the programme focuses on holistic development. Trainees receive guidance on communication skills, workplace safety, legal awareness, menstrual health and professional conduct.
Mentorship from experienced BALCO employees and industry exposure sessions are also provided to prepare trainees for employment in companies across India.
By combining skill development with employment opportunities, Vedanta Skill School is playing an important role in empowering women and contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Chhattisgarh.
