In a major move to provide skilled workers to various sectors, including facility services, Pune-based MP Group has started “earn-and-learn” scheme whereby contractual labourers who are usually engaged for six months can look at being employed for four years and at the same time, get educated. Students can study and work in the factory for a living, Abhishek Phatak, MD, told CIJ. “We have received sanctions for this scheme from the Government of Maharashtra and signed an MoU with Yashvantrao Chavan Open University of Maharashtra for the certification. Under the course, which is more of contractual apprenticeship, the student-worker passes out after four years with a basic degree of Industrial Science. A student who joins our institution is offered a job & assured income, while the employing company pays the fees for his education. Hence, the worker’s dedication towards work and sincerity towards the company is established and the company gets a loyal employee for four years.
“This way we will be turning a Rs4000 worth labourer into a Rs14000 skilled worker,” added Abhishek.
