Paradip Port, CEMS Champion Youth Empowerment Through Vocational Excellence

Paradip:

Port Wings News Network:

Paradip Port Authority (PPA), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the first training batch under its CSR-funded skill development initiative.

The programme is designed to enhance employability among local youth while supporting the growing demands of the maritime and logistics sectors.

Demonstrating strong outcomes, the initiative has achieved a 100% placement rate for its first cohort of 25 students from 168 students. Most participants, aged between 20 and 22, have secured employment opportunities in logistics and supply chain sectors across major cities such as Coimbatore, Hosur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangaluru and Visakhapatnam.

The valedictory ceremony held at Paradip Port recognized the achievements of the trainees, and certificates were conferred on 25 candidates during the ceremony for successfully completing the Supply Chain Management program, marking the first phase of the broader training initiative.

The event was attended by P.L. Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman, PPA, along with T. Venugopal, Deputy Chairman, Krishna Bapi Raju G, Secretary, and other senior officials.

CEMS was represented by Commander Gopi Krishna Sivvam, IN (Retd.), Chief Operating Officer, along with senior team members.

Emphasizing the program’s regional focus, the PPA Chairman reiterated that the initiative is exclusively for the youth of Odisha. He noted that the program serves as a crucial first step toward financial independence and professional growth for young individuals in the state.

PPA has allocated ₹40 lakhs for the current year to support the program, which is presently running six batches simultaneously, training approximately 140–160 students annually. Building on its success, PPA has also encouraged CEMS to expand the curriculum to include shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime operations.

CEMS, supported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and promoted by the Indian Register of Shipping, has trained over 25,000 candidates nationwide since 2019. The initiative will continue with additional batches, strengthening local workforce development and contributing to the region’s industrial growth.