इंग्लिश खबर
Diageo India launches Skill Centre in Goa under its ‘Learning for Life’ Initiative to expand hospitality skilling
Goa Khabar : Diageo India (United Spirits Limited), among the country’s leading alcobev companies, in partnership with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), today inaugurated a new Skill Centre in Ponda, Goa. Established under Diageo India’s flagship ‘Learning for Life’ initiative, the centre aims to equip local youth with industry-relevant hospitality skills and connect them with employment opportunities across the hospitality and service sectors.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources Department, Government of Goa, in the presence of representatives from Diageo India, THSC, and leading industry partners including Purple Martini, Golden Tulip by Sarovar Hotels, and Sterling Holiday Resorts, along with community leaders and local stakeholders. Representatives from THSC’s affiliated training partner, which will operate and manage the Skill Centre, were also present at the event.
Representatives from the hospitality industry interacted with the students and motivated them to explore careers in the sector, highlighting the vast growth opportunities and benefits offered by the industry. They also assured their support in providing employment opportunities and expressed their intent to hire deserving candidates upon successful completion of the training programme.
The Learning for Life Skill Centre has been established to strengthen employability and expand access to quality vocational training for youth in Goa. In its first year, the centre aims to train 200 youth through structured hospitality skilling programmes aligned with industry requirements, creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods while supporting the talent needs of Goa’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
Delivered in partnership with THSC, the training program run at the skill centre will offer industry-aligned training through certified trainers and assessors. The curriculum will focus on technical hospitality skills, communication, digital literacy and essential workplace competencies, preparing candidates for employment opportunities across hotels, restaurants and allied service sectors. Upon successful completion of the programme, candidates will be assessed and certified through THSC and provided placement support through the council’s extensive industry network. The initiative seeks to bridge skill gaps, enhance workforce readiness and support long-term career opportunities for youth from local communities.
Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources Department, Government of Goa, said “Goa’s youth is one of its greatest strengths, and creating opportunities for them to build successful careers is essential to the state’s long-term development. Initiatives such as this Skill Centre, supported by the ‘Learning for Life’ initiative, bring quality skill development to local communities, enabling youth to access opportunities in one of Goa’s most important economic sectors.”
Devashish Dasgupta, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd), added, “We are investing in the aspirations of youth by connecting skills with employment, and helping unlock sustainable livelihoods in communities through our ‘Learning for Life’ initiative. As the hospitality industry continues to expand, initiatives like this ensure that growth is inclusive and powered by skilled local talent.”
Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), said, “Goa’s identity is deeply intertwined with tourism and hospitality, and the future of the sector depends on nurturing local talent. By bringing industry-led skilling closer to communities, we are enabling young people to dream bigger, build rewarding careers, and become active contributors to Goa’s growth story. Partnerships such as these demonstrate how skill development can create lasting social and economic impact.”
Launched in 2020, Diageo India’s Learning for Life programme has positively impacted 8500+ youth, focusing on improving employability, enabling livelihoods, and strengthening workforce inclusion within the hospitality sector. By providing access to quality training and industry exposure, the programme continues to bridge skill gaps and support long-term career opportunities.