Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, distributed the apprentice engagement letters to the inaugural batch of apprentices at Rudrapur, Pantnagar. 

The ceremony was graced by Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of Skill Development and Employment, Government of Uttarakhand, and Ganesh Mani, COO, Ashok Leyland. Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ashok Leyland and the Government of Uttarakhand in July 2023, the company has aimed to boost employability in the state. The MoU outlines the engagement of 1,000 apprentices annually for three years, starting in 2023. The initiative is structured to equip apprentices with industry-relevant skills and prepare them for future job opportunities.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, "We understand the significance of empowering youth through skill development initiatives. In an ever-changing landscape, acquiring pertinent skills is essential to excelling in their careers and making meaningful contributions to society. Our collaboration with the government of Uttarakhand underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and creating sustainable employment opportunities in the region. By investing in skill development, we enable individuals to unlock their potential and drive positive change within their communities."

To date, Ashok Leyland has effectively onboarded over 400 apprentices across diverse disciplines, owing to the cooperative endeavours of the government and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) throughout Uttarakhand.