Pune, Dec 21 (IANS): Bearing maker SKF India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT) to explore and develop skill development initiatives through Tata STRIVE.

Tata STRIVE is an initiative of the Tata Trusts that addresses the national challenge of skill development of the youth - by collaborating with and bringing together the collective expertise of various players - Tata and non-Tata companies, governments, banks and fellow - NGOs - in the ecosystem.

To be implemented and delivered at 'SKF-Tata STRIVE Skill Development Centre' - the vocational training centre set up at Pune in Maharashtra, the programme will reach out to the underprivileged youth of the country and equip them with skills relevant to the industry, thereby improving their employability.

Speaking on the partnership, Manish Bhatnagar, MD, SKF India said: "Education and skills are areas where we can make enormous change. We welcome our new partnership with Tata STRIVE to strengthen education, bridge the skills gap that exists across the industry value chain and boost employability of young people. As a socially responsible corporate, we want all our programs to make a meaningful difference and we will continue to undertake similar initiatives in the future."

Anita Rajan, CEO, Tata STRIVE, said: "The setting up of the centre is a clear joint commitment for action to improve young people's employability through quality training programs. Together, we hope to build and strengthen the bridge that seamlessly enables youth transition into the workforce."

Under this partnership, SKF India and Tata STRIVE will jointly develop and deliver vocational training courses for unemployed and/or employed young people within their operational areas.

Areas of focus covered under this MoU will include vocational trainings on automobile technician, personality development, management skills and entrepreneurship skills.