Fr McGrath Skill Development Centre

In the Platinum Jubilee Year of XLRI (2023), the Institute reaffirmed its founding vision of service to society by establishing the Skill Development Cell (SDC) in June 2023. Conceived as a livelihood mission, the SDC seeks to equip youth from underserved and marginalized communities with practical, employable skills that enable dignified livelihoods and social mobility.

This initiative consciously draws inspiration from the original spirit of XLRI’s founders. When Fr. Enright S.J., the founding Director of XLRI, began the Institute’s journey in 1949 with the support of N. J. Haley, then General Manager of TISCO, the focus was on empowering workers and executives through education in labour laws, collective bargaining, public speaking, and industrial relations. From its early operations at the Boulevard Hotel and KMPM School to the launch of its first full-time programme in Industrial Relations and Welfare in 1956, XLRI has consistently stood for education rooted in social relevance.

The Skill Development Cell represents a return to these roots-reimagined for contemporary needs.

Vision and Objectives of the Skill Development Cell

The Skill Development Cell at XLRI is guided by the following objectives:

• To enhance employability and livelihood opportunities for youth from underserved communities
• To provide industry-relevant, practical skill training aligned with market needs
• To promote the dignity of labour and self-reliance
• To contribute meaningfully to social inclusion and regional development

Through structured training programmes, residential support, and certification, the SDC aims to create pathways for employment, self-employment, and long-term socio-economic upliftment.

Programme Implementation and Batch-wise Overview

The Skill Development Cell’s initiatives, clearly outlining the scope, scale, certification milestones, and outcomes of each batch implemented since the inception of the Centre.

Since its inception, the Skill Development Cell has steadily expanded its reach across Odisha and Jharkhand, supporting multiple batches of trainees through skill-focused interventions.

Batch 1 (2023–24)

• Training Location: Human Life Centre, Bhubaneswar
• Certification Ceremony: March 27, 2024, XLRI Campus, Jamshedpur
• Beneficiaries: 25
• Duration of Course: Oct 14, 2023 - March 30, 2024
• Course Names:
  • Computer Skills and Data Entry
  • Communicative English
  • Personality Development and self-grooming

Batch 1 marked the formal operational launch of the Skill Development Cell. While the skill development training was conducted at the Human Life Centre, Bhubaneswar, the certification ceremony was centrally hosted at the XLRI campus, reinforcing institutional recognition and celebration of learner achievement.

Photo Gallery - Batch 1

Batches 2 and 3 (2024–25)

• Training Location: Human Life Centre, Bhubaneswar & Xavier Community College, Phulbani
• Certification Ceremony: December 18, 2024, XLRI Campus, Jamshedpur
• Beneficiaries: 81 (43 Batch-2 & 38 in Batch-3)
• Duration of Course: July 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
• Course Names:
  • Computer Skills and Data Entry
  • Internship in Plumbing and Electrical Wiring
  • Garment and Fashion Designing
  • Data Entry and English Communication

The six-month skill development programme was designed to equip rural youth with both vocational and communication skills, enabling their integration into the mainstream workforce. Training areas during this phase included Data Entry and Communicative English, Garment and Fashion Design, and internships with practical exposure in Electrical and Plumbing trades.

Certificates were formally conferred at XLRI, Jamshedpur, underscoring the Institute’s central role, while training delivery across Bhubaneswar and Phulbani ensured wider regional access. The ceremony was graced by Fr. Jerome Cutinha, S.J., President of the Jamshedpur Jesuit Society, as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean – Academics.

Photo Gallery - Batches 2 and 3

Batch 4 (2025)

• Training Location: Xavier Community College, Phulbani
• Certification Ceremony: June 21, 2025, XLRI Campus, Jamshedpur
• Duration: Jan 15, 2025, to June 23, 2025
• Beneficiaries: 35
• Course Names:
  • Computer Skills & Data Entry – 27 participants
  • Garment & Fashion Designing – 3 participants
  • Internship in Plumbing & Electrical Wiring – 5 participants

Batch 4 reflected the growing maturity of the Skill Development Cell. While the hands-on training was delivered at Phulbani, the certification ceremony was held at XLRI, Jamshedpur, providing institutional visibility and recognition to the learners’ achievements.

XLRI successfully trained 35 young men and women through rigorous instruction that fostered not only employable skills but also confidence, dignity, and self-belief. The certification ceremony celebrated resilience, growth, and the power of second chances.

Photo Gallery - Batch 4

Batch 5 (2025)

• Training Location: Xavier Community College, Phulbani
• Certification Ceremony: Dec 18, 2025, XLRI Campus, Jamshedpur
• Duration: June 07, 2025 to Dec 20, 2025
• Beneficiaries: 57
• Course Names:
  • Computer Skills & Data Entry - 43 participants
  • Garment & Fashion Designing - 06 participants
  • Internship in Plumbing & Electrical Wiring - 08 participants

Photo Gallery - Batch 5

Batch 6 (2026)

• Training Location: Xavier Community College, Phulbani
• Certification Ceremony: June 20, 2026, XLRI Campus, Jamshedpur
• Duration: Jan 07, 2026 to June 18, 2026
• Beneficiaries: 42
• Course Names:
  • Computer Skills & Data Entry - 33 participants
  • Garment & Fashion Designing - 05 participants
  • Internship in Plumbing & Electrical Wiring - 04 participants

Photo Gallery - Batch 6

Total Beneficiaries (Batch 1–6): 240

Certification Ceremonies and Milestones

Across batches, certification ceremonies have served as important institutional milestones-celebrating learner achievement, reinforcing confidence, and formally recognizing skill acquisition. These ceremonies also reaffirm XLRI’s belief that education, when rooted in purpose, can be a powerful catalyst for transformation.

Institutional Commitment and Support

XLRI has demonstrated strong institutional backing for the Skill Development Cell through sustained financial and human resource support:

This commitment reflects XLRI’s long-term vision of scaling the SDC’s impact while maintaining quality and inclusivity.

Outcomes and Impact

The Skill Development Cell has, within a short span, created tangible outcomes:

• Improved employability and job readiness among participating youth
• Enhanced confidence, communication skills, and self-belief
• Opportunities for employment and self-employment
• Strengthened community-level impact through trained youth returning with skills and purpose

More importantly, the initiative has reaffirmed XLRI’s foundational philosophy-education in service of society.

Way Forward

Building on its early successes, the Skill Development Cell aims to:

• Expand the number of beneficiaries across regions
• Introduce additional job-oriented skill domains
• Strengthen industry linkages for placements and apprenticeships
• Continue providing holistic support, including residential and mentoring assistance

Conclusion

The Skill Development Cell at XLRI stands as a living testament to the Institute’s legacy and values. By returning to its roots and responding to contemporary social needs, XLRI continues to uphold its motto-For the Greater Good-transforming lives through skill, dignity of labour, and purposeful education.