In India, the need for skilled labor in the construction industry is second only to agriculture. Pratham has partnered with Larsen & Toubro—one of the world’s largest providers of engineering, construction and manufacturing services—to meet the needs of this growing industry by training indigent youth who want to earn a decent wage.

Through our vocational training program, we collaborate to provide curriculum content, assessment tools and teacher training for courses in masonry, bar bending, formwork, electrical and welding. The program’s admission process focuses on interest and inclination among the applicants rather than high school completion. Once enrolled, students receive hands-on experience in our practical yards where they learn industry-relevant skills of the highest caliber and gain confidence to face the job market.

Larsen & Toubro’s support as a knowledge partner has been invaluable. They offer underprivileged youth the necessary guidance and support throughout the three-month program, as well as job placement upon successful completion. More than 95% of our students have been either placed with construction firms, including Larsen & Toubro, or have taken up self-employment.

Since 2008, our partnership with Larsen & Toubro has created economic opportunity for 4,000 youth. The Larsen & Toubro Public Charitable Trust also provides financial support to sustain training centers in construction-related fields in Maharashtra, Mysore and Gujarat.