Bosch held the valedictory function of its short-term vocational training program, Bosch’s Response to India’s Development and Growth through Employability Enhancement (BRIDGE), on September 18, 2015 across 50 of its BRIDGE centres in India. The event marked the graduation ceremony of 1057 underprivileged youth from Bosch’s CSR vocational training program.
Bosch was appreciated for adopting and upgrading 25 ITIs in Karnataka, and being a trusted leader and pioneer in its skill development initiatives.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited, said, “There is a huge demand for skilling in India and to bridge that demand Bosch has put together some specially designed programs, both short and long-term, to help students get specialized training in trade and industry skills.”
He further added, “I am thankful to the Govt. of Karnataka for providing us the infrastructure in 25 ITIs in the state to run this program. I am happy to inform that both the Govt. of Maharashtra and Rajasthan have also expressed their interest in allowing us to run 25 ITIs in each of the states.”
Mr. Suresh B R, National Head of Bosch India, Human Resources, said, “BRIDGE program helps its beneficiaries every year to get exposed to modern-day curriculum that is relevant to the industry, which in turn will enhance their employability.”
The valedictory ceremony was held at the Bosch Vocational Center (BVC) in Bangalore. Honouring the event with their presence were Mr. P. B. Ramamurthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka, Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited and Mr. Suresh B R, National Head of Bosch India Human Resources. Mr. P. B. Ramamurthy issued certificates to the graduating students from various centres in Karnataka, while new students were handed out free learning kits.
About BRIDGE
Bosch’s Response to India’s Development and Growth through Employability Enhancement is a major CSR endeavour of Bosch Limited to bring school and college drop-outs from underprivileged backgrounds into the main stream of society. BRIDGE is exclusively for the underprivileged youth (18 to 25 years old) those who are in the NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) category. By imparting vocational training for two months, Bosch tries to support the students in reshaping their lives by providing training and job assistance. During the two-months training program, special focus is given to developing soft, industry-specific and job-specific skills. So far, 2,500 school and college drop outs have completed BRIDGE training in 65 training centres across India. Every student receives job placement offer from organizations and companies in organized and semi-organized sectors.
