Learning Links Foundation Concludes The First Skills Program In Telangana Aerospace Sector For People With Disabilities

·         First skilling program in Telangana for the aerospace manufacturing sector exclusively for People with Disabilities (PWDs)

·         Partners with Boeing and Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited for the skill-building program aligned to Government of India’s ‘Skill India Mission.’

Learning Links Foundation (LLF) has successfully concluded the first skills program in for Telangana aerospace manufacturing sector exclusively for People with Disabilities (PWDs). As part of the Learn and Earn initiative, this unique youth skilling program is supported by Boeing and Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL).

A first batch of 17 trainees, with speech and hearing impairment and locomotive disabilities, have undergone classroom training, followed by on-the-job training at TBAL. The curriculum focussed on developing skills in archiving, maintenance, inspection, stores, and safety audit domains for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) in the aerospace manufacturing sector. The program structure provided the trainees with soft skills and a deep learning experience, which they can leverage to secure employment opportunities with various aerospace manufacturing Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Telangana. Upon completion of the training, all the trainees have been offered employment by TBAL.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Sir Michael Arthur, President Boeing International, Brendon Nelson, President, Boeing Australia, Scott Drach, Vice President HR, Boeing International, Ajay Sharma, Director HR, Boeing India, Laura Legra, Chief of Staff, Boeing International and Praveena Yagnambhat, Chief of Staff & BGE Lead, Boeing India & South Asia.

"Boeing is working closely with LLF and our Indian partners to help skill and develop the local aerospace and defence ecosystem, to support the vision of Skill India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat," said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India. “Through the years, we have invested in building partnerships within the Indian aerospace ecosystem to build capabilities which can further our vision of equity, diversity, inclusion and beyond,” he added.

"At Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), we strive to build a fair and supportive environment that facilitates people from varied backgrounds in pursuing a meaningful career. We believe, such efforts through strategic actions will not only advance diversity & inclusion for differently abled, but it will also create a pool of job opportunities in the aerospace and defence industry..” – said a TASL Spokesperson

“At Learning Links Foundation, we are committed to fostering purpose and progress in learners by kindling the spirit of lifelong learning. Learn & Earn Program is a true embodiment of our vision and it is fulfilling to see how it has been a life-altering milestone in the lives of course participants,” said Ms. Nuriya Ansari, Managing Partner, Learning Links Foundation.

Since its inception, the Learn & Earn Program has already benefitted 207 individuals, of which 26% are girls and 13% PWDs, and helped them attain jobs in various industries. It is a unique program that aims to bridge the skill gap in youth by curating an industry-need-aligned training curriculum that can help them readily obtain employment as a productive workforce. The program aims to further strengthen the aerospace ecosystem in the country and is in line with the Government of India’s “Skill India” initiatives.

Boeing has been supporting the growth of the Indian aerospace sector over the years by addressing the critical and growing need to skill frontline workers for the aerospace manufacturing sector. Learn and Earn, a collaboration between LLF and Boeing, is a unique skill-building program to help create a skilled and employable workforce for the aerospace manufacturing sector. Boeing-funded Learn and Earn Programs have been launched along with several other partners in India as well.

About Learning Links Foundation (LLF)

LLF is a not-for-profit organization that is operating with a vision to foster purpose and progress by unlocking lifelong learning. The Foundation was established in 2002 and has worked extensively in the education and skill development sectors across India. To know more, visit www.learninglinksindia.org 

About TBAL

Tata Boeing Aerospace, Boeing's first equity joint venture in India, is the result of a 2015 partnership agreement with TASL. Spread over 14,000 square meters, the facility has been producing aero-structures for Boeing's AH-64 Apache helicopter, including fuselages, secondary structures and vertical spar boxes for customers worldwide.