The vocational training program aims to equip local youth with essential skills for inclusive employment and economic growth.
Gadag District, Karnataka, India – Ayana Renewable Power, a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) in India supported by the National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF), British International Investment (BII), and Green Growth Equity Fund, has unveiled a cutting-edge skills development centre in the northern region of Karnataka. The center aims to provide vocational training to the youth, equipping them with the essential skills required for inclusive employment and economic growth.
Located in Gadag District, where Ayana’s 300 MW wind power project is currently under construction, the vocational training program will offer courses in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Data Entry Operations. These courses specifically target young individuals residing in and around the project area.
Ayana, in collaboration with corporate training partner Fuel (Friends Union for Energising Lives), will operate the centre in Gadag. In the initial phase, they plan to train over 200 young people on Level 4 of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). The program will span six months and will be delivered in-person to ensure the best learning experience. Graduates will also receive assistance in finding suitable job opportunities. This initiative holds particular significance as the local population largely depends on agriculture, and the region experiences significant migration due to limited employment prospects.
Shivanand Nimbargi, Managing Director and CEO of Ayana, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Community Development is a core activity that Ayana undertakes at all its project sites, and we are delighted to bring this to our project site in Gadag. I am confident that the skills development centre will provide the much-needed platform for the local youth to upgrade their knowledge and skills for a better and brighter future.”
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, commended Ayana’s community development program, supported by British International Investment, saying, “We are delighted to see that Ayana is expanding its community development program with support from British International Investment. These programs will help reduce poverty, produce clean and affordable energy, and promote gender equality.”
Manav Bansal, Managing Director and Head of India at British International Investment, expressed pride in supporting Ayana’s upskilling initiatives, particularly for women in the clean energy sector. He said, “The new Gadag center is an important milestone for our collaboration with Ayana as it creates job opportunities for local communities and contributes to a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive economy.”
Vinod Giri, Managing Partner, Direct Investments at NIIFL (National Infrastructure and Investment Fund Limited), highlighted Ayana’s commitment to empowering people and communities. As a controlling shareholder in Ayana, Giri expressed delight in the positive impact the company has achieved through similar initiatives in the past, and he looks forward to extending this impact to their second site in Karnataka.
The inauguration of the training centre received significant support from community leaders and witnessed a large number of students who demonstrated their interest and commitment to join the vocational training course. Ayana Renewable Power’s dedication to uplifting local communities through skill development continues to garner praise and recognition as it strives to create a brighter future for the region’s youth.