B. Prabhakaran Flags Off Lloyds’ ‘LMGSE’ Skill Mission in Gadchiroli; 300 Students Start Training

Gadchiroli, December 11, 2025 In a major step toward transforming Gadchiroli into a national and global hub for skill development, Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd. (LMEL) on Thursday launched the Lloyds Mission for Global Skills and Entrepreneurship (LMGSE). The initiative was inaugurated by Mr. B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director of LMEL, in the presence of Alka Mishra, Chairperson for Skill Development; Vyankatesh Sandhil, MD, LICL; and several dignitaries. The programme, unveiled under the visionary guidance of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marks one of the region’s most ambitious youth-empowerment missions, aimed at bridging critical skill gaps and linking Gadchiroli’s youth to national and international opportunities in emerging and green industries. “Gadchiroli will be a steel city bigger than Jamshedpur” Addressing the gathering of new trainees, Mr. Prabhakaran said his dream is to transform Gadchiroli into a steel city that surpasses Jamshedpur. He emphasized that both the Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra are keen on the district’s development, and Lloyds is fully committed to driving that change. He highlighted that LMGSE will provide diverse training including welding, plumbing, transport, and other trades, empowering local youth with employable skills. “Our mission is to create sustainable livelihoods and prepare the region’s youth for industry-ready, future-focused careers,” he said. By aligning training with real-world industry requirements, LMGSE aims to strengthen Gadchiroli’s workforce and enhance long-term economic progress across the district. The mission focuses especially on underserved communities, ensuring they benefit from growing opportunities in new-age sectors. --- First Batch of 300 Students Marks New Beginning The inaugural training batch of 300 students commenced under the 90-day programme featuring 45 days of training and 45 days of on-the-job practical exposure. The first cohort is enrolled in high-demand trades such as bar bending and shuttering. LMGSE has set an ambitious target of training 10,000 youth in its first year, laying the foundation for district-wide skilling, improved employability, and stronger local industry participation. A distinctive feature of the mission is its dual emphasis on skill development and sustainability. The programme aims to ensure that young people—including women and marginalized groups—are equipped for secure careers in modern, environmentally responsible industries. --- Key Program Components Vocational & Core Technical Trades LMGSE will offer structured, industry-aligned training across diverse sectors such as: Construction and infrastructure (masonry, bar bending, shuttering) Mechanical and electrical trades Renewable energy Automotive services Logistics support Frontline service sectors Each training module emphasizes hands-on learning, industry certification, and strong placement support, helping trainees transition into salaried employment or entrepreneurship. --- Centre of Excellence for Logistics and Driving A flagship element of LMGSE is the Centre of Excellence for Logistics and Driving, designed to meet the rising demand for skilled drivers in India’s expanding logistics sector. Key training offerings include: Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving 40-feet trailer operations Women-centric three-wheeler driving programmes With a target to train over 4,000 professional drivers, the centre will provide simulation-based learning, certified training, and direct industry linkage, contributing to both inclusive and sustainable employment in the logistics ecosystem. --- About LMGSE The Lloyds Mission for Global Skills and Entrepreneurship is LMEL’s flagship initiative aimed at strengthening workforce capabilities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and establishing Gadchiroli as a premier skill development hub with national and global reach. The mission reinforces LMEL’s long-term commitment to regional development, social progress, and inclusive growth.