The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), announced a collaboration with Coca-Cola India to launch the Super Power Retailer Program as part of the Skill India Mission, aimed at empowering the retailer community in the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The pilot program is currently underway in Odisha as of October 15, 2023.
The partnership was formally announced in the esteemed presence of the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Ved Mani Tiwari, COO, NSDC; and Sanket Ray, President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.
The Super Power Retailer program is a key part of Skill India’s workforce support. It empowers retailers by enhancing their skills in the modern retail sector and offering training to small and micro retailers to understand consumer behaviour and preferences. The program equips retailers with the skills and tools needed to succeed in the changing retail landscape, helping traditional retailers improve profitability and business skills.
The Super Power Retailer Program will offer industry-specific skills tailored to the needs of retailers, including:
- Customer management
- Inventory and stock management
- Financial management
As part of the program, the participants will undergo a 14-hour training session featuring a two-hour classroom session and 12 hours of digital training. The training will include physical classroom sessions along with an app-based Learning Management System (LMS) that is accessible on mobile and handheld devices for online modules. The modules will be hosted on Skill India Digital’s platform (SID), and the training will be conducted through a multimedia approach with a blend of videos and texts by experienced trainers. The participants will receive a certificate upon completion of classroom, online training, and assessment modules.
As part of the collaboration, NSDC will support Coca-Cola India in broadening the program’s presence on SID. This will entail the development and enhancement of training content to align with industry-specific skill needs. NSDC will play a role in recruiting trainers for program implementation and ensuring a smooth learning experience by furnishing the necessary training infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, “As the auspicious celebrations of Durga Puja begin today, we launch the Super Power Retailer program in partnership with Coca-Cola India to empower our retailers and provide training to them on expanding their businesses and enhancing consumer experiences. I am confident that the initiative will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s economy by skilling, reskilling, and upskilling retailers, paving the way for their growth. I congratulate all the successful self-reliant retailers who have been awarded today.”
“Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making our workforce the biggest beneficiary of developed India, the program aims to provide 14 hours of quality retail training through the Skill India Digital Portal. The retailers will be trained on how to plan and implement business strategies and utilize the vast opportunities extended by digital platforms. The training modules will be available in multiple languages, which will enable small shopkeepers as well as big businessmen across the country. We acknowledge this effort to enable a retail ecosystem that will exceed customer expectations, embrace the future of work, and provide exponential growth to the industry.” He added.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ved Mani Tiwari, COO, NSDC, said, “A transformative revolution is underway within India’s skill development ecosystem, driven by an unwavering commitment to empowering the country’s youth and its ambitious workforce through skill acquisition, enhancement, and adaptation. With Coca-Cola India aligning its efforts with Skill India Digital, I hold a steadfast belief that both our aspiring and established retailers will receive top-notch training to strengthen their capacity and capability. Guided by the Hon’ble Minister’s leadership, the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credit, a digital repository of prior learning experience, will further empower our nation’s youth. I encourage corporations to collaborate with Skill India Digital to position India as the global Skill Hub.”
Sanket Ray, President of Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “At Coca-Cola India, we strive to create value for the retailer ecosystem, which is an integral part of the business value chain. In the evolving consumer landscape, equipping retailers with key entrepreneurial and digital skills enhances their relevance for today’s consumers and enables them to be future-ready. We applaud the efforts of the Skill India Mission that foster innovation and provide industry-specific skills that are accessible to all.”
Through collaboration and aligned efforts, the Government of India and industry stakeholders can together create a skilled ecosystem that fosters excellence and spurs economic growth.
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