On the World Youth Skills Day, Hindustan Zinc, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, reaffirms its commitment to training and upskilling youth across its operations. Through the flagship skilling initiative, Zinc Kaushal Kendra, Hindustan Zinc is enabling rural youth to secure jobs by gaining market-relevant skills and finding relevant employment across India. The program’s job assistance has now transcended Indian borders with two bright individuals securing jobs in Europe and Gulf. Through 7 specialised training centres in 6 districts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, Hindustan Zinc is enabling the youth to be on the path of employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.Deepika Devra and Lalit Jangid began their journeys with Zinc Kaushal training, eventually landing global opportunities with Marella Cruises (Spain) and Asterix Company (Saudi Arabia), respectively. These career arcs highlight how early-stage skill interventions can create long-term impact for India’s rural youth. With over 8,600 individuals trained and more than 7,250 placed in domestic roles across sectors like hospitality, retail, solar, security, and microfinance, few alumni have progressed to international careers through sustained upskilling and on-the-job performance.Raised in Dabok, a quiet village near Udaipur, Deepika Devra broke gender norms and overcame social stigma to pursue a career in hospitality. After graduating from Zinc Kaushal Kendra, Udaipur, she began her journey in regional hotels before progressing to cruise line hospitality. Today, Deepika works aboard Marella Cruises in Spain, earning ₹60,000 per month with full accommodation and international exposure—living proof that with the right training, global dreams can come true, even for rural India’s daughters.“We are not just training individuals—we are shaping the future of rural India,” said Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc. “With Zinc Kaushal Kendra, we envisioned a platform that connects aspiration with access. Today, seeing our youth take charge of their futures, in India and abroad, is deeply fulfilling. Each global placement is a step toward a Viksit Bharat—one where no dream is too big and no village too small.”Since its inception in 2019, Zinc Kaushal has placed over 7,250 candidates in sectors such as hospitality, retail, solar, microfinance, and security services, with a network of over 500 recruitment partners including Tata Consultancy Services, Adani Power, Honda, TATA Motors, Raxa Security, Taj Hotels, SBI Cards, Zydus Hospitals, and Reliance Retail. Nearly 45% of the trainees are women, with notable milestones like India’s first all-women batch in unarmed security achieving 100% placement. The program’s inclusive design also supports differently abled youth and promotes entrepreneurship, while aligning with national development goals such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Rajasthan.Coming from a modest village in Ajmer, Lalit Jangid enrolled in the Assistant Electrician course at Zinc Kaushal, Ajmer, in search of better opportunities. He started at Motherson Sumi in Bhiwadi and has since secured a technician position with Asterix Company in Saudi Arabia, earning Rs 50,000/month. Lalit’s story is a powerful reminder that the right skills and support system can launch global careers—even from the most unlikely placesZinc Kaushal continues to act as a catalyst for rural transformation by providing access, opportunity, and mentorship to youth often left out of the formal job market. By fostering employability, entrepreneurial spirit, and confidence, ZKK is not only helping individuals rise—but also lifting entire communities in the process.As part of its broader social impact and community development commitments, Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives have reached over 23 lakh people across 2,300 villages in FY 2025. The company has empowered nearly 27,000 women through 2,000+ self-help groups, enables 2 lakh students annually through education programs like Shiksha Sambal and Unchi Udaan, and supported over 35,000 farmer families under its Samadhan initiative. These efforts reflect Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to inclusive, long-term.