Bhubaneswar: The continued efforts of the state government towards skilling & upskilling the youth of Odisha have resulted in their social & economic growth over the years. The girl power has proved their mettle in this journey.
The stats show a sharp hike in girls admitting themselves into various skill development centers across Odisha and bagging jobs in national and multinational corporations.
In line of the same, the World Skill Center (WSC) Bhubaneswar, an ultramodern facility offering advanced skill programs has witnessed a sharp rise in enrollment of girls. This premier skill training institute offers advanced curriculum to the youth of Odisha under 2 schools: School of Engineering & School of Services.
“My mother works as a house keeper & my late father was a farmer. They entrusted me with confidence and provided unwavering support throughout my life. I have enjoyed learning the advanced skills in WSC. The confidence instilled in me through the hands-on training and life skills modules has paved the way for my selection with a prominent corporation like Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) by Tata Group”, says Lija Pala of Ganjam district, Odisha. Lija currently works as a Spa Therapist in Taj Cidade de Goa post completing a 1-year advanced course in ‘Beauty Wellness & Spa’ at WSC.
The figure of girl’s enrollment into this institution has grown from pillar to post, from the first to the fourth batches with the most recent being over 300 enrollments. This rise in numbers describes the awareness of women towards this apex institution which offers diverse career opportunities in the global industries.
Under the skilled in Odisha vision of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, World Skill Center is playing an important role in shaping the career dreams of young boys & girls. The ‘Sudakshya’ Scheme of Government of Odisha, offers free enrolment for the girls across the Govt skill centers in the state, this has further boosted the enrolment of the girls at World Skill Center. Moreover, the uniform, food, transportation & accommodation are free for both boys & girls at the center.
“It is the placement opportunities and the new course ‘Vertical Transportation’ that motivated me to break the stereotype of women not choosing technical subjects. Coming from a small village, the opportunity to travel overseas is a chance to transform my life,” said Laxmi. Laxmi Hansdah, from Dharamdih in Mayurbhanj district, is pursuing 1 year advanced program in ‘Vertical Transportation’ (Lift Technology) at WSC.
Over the period of 3 years, 3 batches have been offered placement in various national & international industries and 100% women who enrolled have been placed in leading companies. These women have showed immense courage to walk out of their comfort zone and make a successful career.
The first step towards women empowerment is developing confidence and requisite skills to build a successful career. Short term courses for the women who can take some time out from their household chores to pursue their passion & become independent have been thoughtfully designed by the team of World Skill Center.
Presently two such courses are offered for the women of Odisha. For the ones who are interested in Beauty & grooming, ‘Odia Bridal Make-up’ is offered. Similarly, for those who are interested in Banking, Finance, Securities & Insurance (BFSI) sector, there are two courses namely ‘Mutual Funds Distributor’ & ‘Accounts Assistant’.
“I had an interest towards bridal makeup since I was in school, but I was not much confident about the career opportunities in this field. World Skill Center has given a new beginning to my career and a chance to become self-dependent”, said Rashmita Subudhi, a Woman SHG member from Khordha district.
“I always wanted to contribute to my family financially and ease their burden. I am thankful to the govt of Odisha & World Skill Center for giving me a chance to build my career in the field that always interested me”, said Bharati Nayak. While pursuing the 3-month course in ‘Mutual Funds Distributor’, Bharati cleared National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) exam & is now a certified Mutual Funds Distributor.
The commendable performance of girls coming from the remote areas of the state upskilling themselves & setting examples for hundreds of girls to dream big. World Skill Center, which operates as in a Hub & Spoke model encompassing the govt skill centers in Odisha adding wings to the career dreams of the girls.
Ms Kalinga