Diageo India, one of the leading companies in the alcoholic beverage industry, has teamed up with the Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD) to help train and place over 300 students in the Food & Beverage Services field through its ‘Learning for Life’ program.
Partnership and Training
In 2023, Diageo India expanded its ‘Learning for Life’ program to include students with disabilities.
The aim is to prepare these students for careers in the business and hospitality sector.
The program offers a three-month residential training course held at SCPwD-affiliated centers in Delhi NCR (Noida) and Bengaluru, led by certified trainers.
The training covers key areas such as:
- Food and Beverage Services
- Interpersonal skills
- Employability skills
- Communication skills
This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to meet the needs of the hospitality industry.
Graduation and Employment
The first graduation ceremony for 22 students took place in Bengaluru.
Notable attendees included Ms. Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resource Officer of Diageo India; Mr. Ravindra Singh, CEO of SCPwD; and other senior leaders from the hospitality sector.
After completing the program, students are placed in jobs with various partners, including well-known hotels like Accor Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Marriott Hotels India, as well as restaurant chains like La Pino’z Pizza.
These companies are committed to building a more inclusive hospitality industry.
Shilpa Vaid, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Diageo India, stated that the company was proud to strengthen its partnership with SCPwD, emphasizing its commitment to advancing inclusion in accordance with their Spirit of Progress ESG action plan.
She mentioned that the ‘Learning for Life’ program aimed to support persons with disabilities by equipping them with essential skills and resources while opening doors to employment opportunities.
Vaid expressed the desire to work collaboratively to shape a hospitality sector that is inclusive for everyone.
Ravindra Singh, the CEO of the Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD), remarked that Diageo India’s leadership in promoting inclusion and diversity set a benchmark for others to emulate.
He highlighted that their collaboration was not only about creating job opportunities but also about breaking down barriers that had previously limited persons with disabilities from obtaining mainstream employment.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Ramya S, shared her experience, stating that for a long time, she had doubts about whether someone like her could secure a regular job.
She expressed her concerns about having the right skills and how she would be treated in the workplace.
However, she noted that the ‘Learning for Life’ program transformed her perspective, providing her with the necessary training and platform, and now she felt ready to join the hospitality industry with confidence and hopes for a bright future.
Conclusion
Diageo India’s partnership with SCPwD is a significant step toward creating an inclusive work environment in the hospitality sector.
By providing training and job placement, they are not only empowering individuals with disabilities but also setting a positive example for other companies to follow.
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