Empower Pragati: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Empower Pragati is a leading vocational and skill training organization in India, dedicated to transforming lives and skilling the youth. Established in 2010, the organization focuses on providing industry-specific skills, employability training, and job linkages to underprivileged youth across the nation. With a mission to "Transforming Lives, Skilling India," Empower Pragati has trained over 500,000 individuals in both formal and informal sectors, making it one of India's leading contributors to vocational and skill training.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To empower underprivileged youth by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to build fulfilling lives.

Vision: To be a catalyst in bridging the skill gap in India, enabling youth to achieve sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

Primary Area of Focus

Empower Pragati specializes in vocational skill development, focusing on:

Vocational Skilling: Equipping individuals with industry-specific skills tailored to various sectors.

Employability Skills: Enhancing soft skills and job readiness to improve employment prospects.

Job Linkages: Facilitating connections between trained individuals and potential employers.

Up-skilling: Providing advanced training to enhance existing skills, particularly for workers in the informal sector.

Industry Significance

As one of the first organizations to receive support from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2010, Empower Pragati has played a pivotal role in advancing skill development initiatives in India. Its extensive reach across 23 states and numerous partnerships with government and corporate entities underscore its significant impact on the vocational training landscape.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Skill Development: To provide comprehensive training programs that equip individuals with the skills required for various industries.

Employment Facilitation: To enhance employability through targeted training and job placement services.

Sustainable Livelihoods: To empower individuals to achieve financial independence and contribute to economic growth.

Areas of Specialization

Sector-Specific Training: Offering programs in sectors such as hospitality, retail, automotive, and healthcare.

Women Empowerment: Providing specialized training programs for women, including modules on gender sensitivity and entrepreneurship.

Digital Literacy: Equipping individuals with essential digital skills to thrive in the modern workforce.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Learning Platforms: Implementing online training modules to reach a broader audience.

Data Analytics: Utilizing data to assess training effectiveness and employment outcomes.

Mobile Applications: Developing apps to facilitate learning and job placement services.

Primary Markets Targeted

Underprivileged Youth: Focusing on individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Women: Particularly those seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Rural and Urban Populations: Addressing the unique challenges faced by both rural and urban youth in accessing quality training.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Empower Pragati has secured funding from various sources, including:

Government Partnerships: Collaborations with state and central government initiatives.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Projects funded by corporate partners such as Aircel, Pernod Ricard, and Indian Oil.

Fee-Based Training: Revenue generated from fee-based training programs offered to individuals.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Details about recent funding rounds are not publicly available.

Notable Investors

Empower Pragati has received support from various government bodies and corporate partners, including:

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): A government initiative supporting skill development.

Corporate Partners: Companies like Aircel, Pernod Ricard, and Indian Oil have funded specific projects.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is utilized for:

Establishing Training Centers: Setting up facilities across various states.

Curriculum Development: Designing and updating training programs to meet industry standards.

Technology Integration: Implementing digital platforms for training and placement services.

Operational Expenses: Covering costs related to staff, infrastructure, and program delivery.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Empower Pragati offers a range of training programs across various sectors, including:

Hospitality and Retail: Training individuals for roles in hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Automotive: Providing technical training for two and four-wheeler mechanics.

Digital Literacy: Courses aimed at enhancing digital skills among youth.

Stages of Development

The organization is continually developing and updating its training programs to align with industry needs and standards.

Target Conditions

The training programs are designed to address the skill gaps in various industries, thereby improving employment opportunities for the youth.

Anticipated Milestones

While specific timelines for new program launches are not publicly disclosed, Empower Pragati aims to expand its reach and impact through continuous program development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Digital Learning Platforms: Online modules and mobile applications to facilitate remote learning.

Data Analytics Tools: Systems to monitor training effectiveness and employment outcomes.

Significant Scientific Methods

Blended Learning Approaches: Combining online and offline training methods to cater to diverse learning needs.

Impact Measurement Frameworks: Utilizing data-driven approaches to assess the impact of training programs.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI applications are not detailed, Empower Pragati is exploring the integration of AI to enhance learning experiences and job placement services.

Leadership Team

Rajiv Sharma: Founder & Managing Director

Professional Background: Law graduate from Delhi University; MBA from FMS, Delhi University. Over 25 years in senior management roles at Kodak, HCL, and CEO of Airtel Enterprise Services.

Contributions: Founded Empower Pragati in 2010 to bridge the skill gap in India.

Pritha Dutt: Director

Professional Background: MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur. Experience in corporate and social sectors, including roles at Oberoi Hotels, ICI Paints, Airtel, and Feedback Ventures. Co-founded Phicus Social Ventures.

Contributions: Leads Training, Placement, and Human Resource divisions at Empower Pragati.

Sanjeev Sharma: Director

Professional Background: MBA from S P Jain School of Global Management. Over 30 years in corporate experience across India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Contributions: Heads implementation of government projects at Empower Pragati.

Vineeta Shanker: Director (NSDC Nominated)

Professional Background: M.A. in Economics from Lucknow University; M.Phil from IIT Kanpur; Ph.D. from Sorbonne, Paris. Consultant with ILO, UNDP, UNICEF, and World Bank.

Contributions: Executive Director of Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation; serves on Empower Pragati's board.

Niraj Aggarwal: Director

Professional Background: B.A. and M.A. in History from University of Allahabad. Over 34 years at Life Insurance Corporation of India, retiring as Executive Director.

Contributions: Brings extensive experience to steer Empower Pragati towards success.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The vocational training market in India is expanding, driven by the need for skilled labor across various industries. Government initiatives like the National Skill Development Mission and corporate CSR activities contribute to this growth.

Competitor Analysis

Reliance Foundation India: Focuses on skill development and education, with a higher overall rating of 4.1 compared to Empower Pragati's 3.7.

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