Uniqlo’s three-year program will provide ready skills to help vulnerable young people, especially women, transition from insecure and unstable work in the informal sector.
The job-oriented vocational training center is aimed at job seekers aged 18 to 29 from poor communities in Delhi. Priority is given to school dropouts, children of immigrant workers, children living in poverty or those with limited access to employment or vocational training.
By December 2027, the program aims to equip 2,700 young people with technical skills and professional world insights with 2,700 young people.
Uniqlo is also considering offering internships at its stores and facilities to enable program participants to gain real-world experience.
The new Skills Centre Project, located in Dwarka, New Delhi, will focus on granting practical skills in nursing, retail services and sewing machine operations.
Courses spanning 45 to 60 days will also include soft skills development, including digital and financial literacy, gender equality, diversity awareness and workplace communication.
In addition, the program is designed to help young people in India with work placement and subsequent follow-up actions.
Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and COO of Uniqlo India, said: “Inspired by our philosophy of living installations, we hope that this vocational training program will have a life-changing positive impact on thousands of Indians. The foundation of uniqlo for Uniqlo is what we have always contributed to us for our society in this new project and the society represented by our new project, which is our endeavor.
“Education is an integral part of personal and social development and in partnership with international programs, we look forward to providing opportunities to empower young people.”
Uniqlo’s parent company, Rapid Retail, funded the project with a contribution of 120 million yen (US$880 million).
The initiative was raised through the peace of Uniqlo, and the campaign began in 2022. The event transfers all profits from charitable T-shirt sales to international organizations that implement development efforts around the world.
Mohammed Asif, Executive Director of Program International (India Branch), said: “With the launch of the new Saxham [Skill] The Center Program, together with Uniqlo, will create opportunities for young men and women to acquire market-oriented skills, ensure sustainable livelihoods and become active contributors to national construction.
“This initiative is in line with our commitment to quality education, gender equality, and work and economic growth. We thank our partner Uniqlo for supporting this vision.”
