IHCL to Expand Skilling Centers to 50 by 2025, Aiming to Train 1 Lakh People by 2030

Tata Group's hospitality arm, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), is gearing up to enhance its skill training infrastructure by establishing 50 centers across India by the next year. This initiative aligns with the company's concerted efforts to bolster its environmental, social, and corporate governance agenda under the Paathya initiative.

IHCL intends to collaborate with its group entity, TCS, to accelerate online training programs, thereby facilitating the skilling of 1 lakh individuals by the year 2030. The company's focus remains on rural areas for its skill training initiatives, with a firm commitment to ensure that over 25% of those trained by 2030 are women.

Addressing the pressing need for skilled manpower in the hospitality sector, IHCL's Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Gaurav Pokhariyal, highlighted the industry's robust growth trajectory post-pandemic. He emphasized the necessity of properly training available manpower from rural areas to meet industry standards and bridge the demand-supply gap.

Despite challenges such as migration and perception barriers associated with the hospitality sector, IHCL remains steadfast in its endeavor to train individuals from marginalized backgrounds and deep rural areas.

Under the Paathya initiative, IHCL has already trained 12,500 individuals since 2020, with a significant acceleration witnessed this year, where approximately 6,000 individuals have undergone training. The company aims to exceed its diversity target of 25% women in the skilled workforce by 2030.

IHCL plans to expand its network of skill training centers from the existing 32 to nearly 50 by the next year, spread across various regions of the country. These centers, situated in both small and large formats across 15 states and 25 cities, aim to provide accessible training opportunities.

Furthermore, IHCL has diversified its partnerships, teaming up with organizations like Tata STRIVE, HHH - Head Held High Foundation, REACHA - Research and Extension Association for Conservation Horticulture and Agro-forestry, and VFS for its skilling initiatives.

Reflecting on the absorption rate of skilled individuals, Pokhariyal noted that close to 20% have been absorbed by IHCL, while 75% have found placement overall. He also acknowledged the evolving landscape of competition for skilled labor, with sectors blurring lines and offering more options for talent mobility.

In light of these developments, IHCL remains committed to nurturing a skilled workforce and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the hospitality industry in India.

HBL