What’s a 22-year old to do? Despite completing a civil diploma course from a local polytechnic, Harishankar Patel just could not find a job. Like many of his peers, he lacked hands-on, practical skills and experience in civil trades. He was unaware that theoretical knowledge alone on construction sites is of little use to most employers. Mr. Patel returned home to a remote, poor, farming village in Amgaon, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh to join the legions of dissatisfied, young adults.
Harishankar’s life, however, was changed for the better when he learned about OP Jindal Community College from APARAJITA masonry trainees at a training site not far from his home. APARAJITA, a signature OPJCC program, takes construction skills training to women in rural villages. Harishankar subsequently enrolled at OPJCC Punjipathra, Raigarh and completed a general masonry program. “OPJCC honed my skills and boosted my confidence level”, he remarked. These qualities were tested last week at the Chhattisgarh State World Youth Skills Day Competition in Raipur. Mr. Patel bagged 2nd place in Masonry Skills along with a Rs 20,000 prize cheque. Added to these, his attitude impressed personnel from Avinash Group Raigarh. Thanks to excellent training at OPJCC, Mr. Patel was given a written job offer on the spot, including a monthly salary of Rs 10,000 to start and accommodation. He expressed his deep gratitude for his father’s consistent support, and OPJCC trainers for pushing him to excel. He exclaimed, ”This was not possible without their blessings”.
OPJCC is thrilled by his success and determined to contribute to making India employable!
