CSR: GMR Varalakshmi Foundation enhancing the employability of the Youth during lockdown

06 / 07 / 2020

By India CSR - -

While the Covid-19 pandemic has led to the shutdown of educational institutions and training centers across the nation, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF), the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) arm of GMR Group has introduced an innovative online solution to train school/college dropout youth to enhance their employability skillsets during the lock-down.

GMRVCEL (GMR Varalakshmi Centre for Empowerment and Livelihoods–Hyderabad) at Shamshabad is a Skill Development Centre supported under CSR of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, which has been offering several skill based training facilities to the unemployed youth from across the state since 2008, a statement said.

However, due to compulsive shut-down of the training center amidst Covid-19 pandemic, this was impacting the youth adversely who were dependent upon the skill-based training courses imparted by GMRVF.

For the benefit of the youth, GMRVF introduced customized online training classes, which could be accessed by the candidates from the safety of their homes. GMRVF has adapted all available courses (except Driving) into ‘Blended Learning Method’. This approach combines online educational literature and opportunities for virtual interaction along with physical training (to be conducted once the center opens as per Govt. guidelines). The course is also beneficial as it offers students some elements of control over their time, place, path, or pace.

For this training module, the candidates who are selected are being given online training classes in their respective line of subjects. They are taught Selected Job Role content, Soft Skills, Spoken English and also assessed through Online Assessments during these sessions. Once the centre operations recommence as per the govt guidelines, the practical sessions will be imparted to these candidates. Through this way of online teaching methodology the students are not at a loss in any manner and stand to benefit with the education that they get.

The courses under blended learning methods include – Drywall & False Ceiling Technician, Excavator Operator, Welding Technician, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician, Automobiles and Two wheeler repairing, Solar Technician, Electrical House Wiring, Hotel Management (F&B), Computers – MS Office & DTP (Only for Women), and Tailoring. All school and college dropout youth are eligible to join these courses, the company said.