MUMBAI (India CSR): On International Youth Day, the Prakash Jayantilal Chauhan Foundation (PJCF), the philanthropic arm of Parle Agro Pvt. Ltd., is celebrating a milestone that reflects what industry-linked skilling can achieve. The Foundation has crossed 2,000 graduates from its Skill Centre and has now opened enrolments for the next 2,000 learners, while expanding industry partnerships to strengthen career opportunities for future batches.
India is home to one of the world’s youngest populations, yet access to industry-ready skills continues to remain a critical challenge for many young people entering the workforce. Since its inception in 2019, the PJCF Skill Centre has been working to bridge this gap by providing vocational education that goes beyond classroom learning to prepare students for real-world careers. Through programmes in Beauty, Hair Styling, Administration and Secretary Studies Program, Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Washing Machine Repairs and the Career Assistance Program, the Foundation equips students with practical skills, professional guidance and placement support that improve employability and create pathways to long-term financial independence.
Reflecting the impact of this approach, the Foundation has achieved a 95% employment rate among its graduates. Many alumni have gone on to establish their own beauty salons, build successful careers as independent beauty professionals, secure employment with leading organizations, or work as contractors after completing their training. Beyond employment, these opportunities have enabled many graduates to become financially self-reliant, support their families and contribute to the economic well-being of their communities.
Commenting on the milestone, Alisha Chauhan, Director, Parle Agro, said, “International Youth Day is a reminder that empowering young people with the right skills is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our future. Skill development is not just about employment, it builds confidence, creates independence and enables individuals to transform not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities. Our milestone of 2,000 graduates reflects the determination and aspirations of every learner who has walked through our Skill Centre. As we welcome the next 2,000 learners, we remain committed to expanding opportunities and helping many more young people build sustainable and fulfilling careers.”
Further strengthening its focus on industry readiness, the Foundation has partnered with Cosmoprof India, India’s leading international B2B beauty event and part of the world’s largest beauty and wellness network, to launch Cosmo Academy. The three-year partnership connects Beauty & Wellness and Hair Styling students with Cosmoprof’s industry ecosystem, providing access to professional products, experts and coaches, while offering direct exposure to industry trends and career opportunities.
Beyond this collaboration, the Foundation continues to work closely with a diverse network of reowned placement partners across the beauty & wellness, consumer durables, HVAC, electronics & telecommunications, retail, insurance, customer service, housing finance, and engineering sectors, helping students successfully transition into the workforce.
As it enters its next phase of scale, the Foundation will continue to expand access to quality vocational education while deepening collaborations with industry partners to ensure young people are equipped with relevant skills, practical exposure and meaningful employment opportunities.
(India CSR)
