Reliance Foundation has trained 3 lakh youth and helped 1.8 lakh secure jobs through nationwide skilling programs. The initiative focuses on digital skills, workplace competencies, and career pathways via its AI-powered Skilling Academy. Supported by public-private partnerships and aligned with the Skill India mission, it prepares youth for India’s evolving job market.
Reliance Foundation marked a major milestone in its national skilling drive this week. The nonprofit announced that more than 3 lakh youth have been trained and 1.8 lakh have secured jobs through its programs. The announcement came at the 21st Century Skills Conclave in Mumbai, where industry leaders and government officials gathered to discuss India’s evolving workforce.
The Conclave focused on closing the gap between education and employment. More than 12 lakh individuals have benefited from the Foundation’s skilling efforts across 28 Indian states.
Preparing India’s Youth for a Changing Job Market#
At the event, Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Director of Vocational Education and Training, Government of Maharashtra, stressed the need for modern skills. She said, “Capabilities matter more today than degrees alone.” Sardeshmukh applauded Reliance Foundation’s efforts and urged stronger industry partnerships through initiatives such as PM-SETU.
Nupur Bahl, Head of Skilling and Employment at Reliance Foundation, said India’s demographic advantage will only translate into growth if youth have future-ready skills. She noted that the Foundation’s programs go beyond basic training. They focus on digital skills, workplace competencies, and career pathways that lead to sustainable jobs.
Public-Private Partnerships Drive Impact#
Industry collaboration remains central to the initiative’s success. Arunkumar Pillai, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), highlighted this at the Conclave. He said their joint Future Ready Skill Initiative demonstrated what scaled partnerships can achieve. “Our collaboration has enabled learners to acquire industry-relevant skills and improve employability,” Pillai said.
This partnership aligns with India’s national Skill India mission, which aims to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.
Technology, Personalisation, and Lifelong Learning#
Reliance Foundation’s strategy rests on three pillars:
- Human and workplace skills
- Digital and technology fluency
- Lifelong learning pathways
The Foundation has integrated AI and personalization into its Skilling Academy platform. Courses span technical fields, soft skills, and emerging areas like digital literacy. The digital platform also offers mentorship and career guidance.
Success Stories and Real Impact#
During the conclave, 40 young achievers were felicitated for their success in finding employment after training. One standout story was that of Kashish Sawant, a 24-year-old who secured her first formal job through the Foundation’s skilling program. She said the training transformed her confidence and gave her a clear career direction.
Such individual journeys underline the program’s role in transforming aspirations into livelihoods.
Context from Earlier Government Endorsements#
This development builds on previous government-backed efforts. In September 2024, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the Reliance Foundation Skilling Academy in partnership with NSDC and AICTE to prepare youth for future jobs. He said, “India’s youth stand at the crossroads of immense opportunities.”
The academy now serves as a national platform offering free, future-oriented courses and mentorship from industry experts.
Clear Cut Education Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Feb 09, 2026 05:00 IST
Written By: Ayushman Meena
