Sona Comstar has expanded its industry-led skilling initiative in partnership with Tata STRIVE by inaugurating a new Skill Development Centre in Chakan, Pune. The facility was inaugurated by Priya Kapur, Non-Executive Director of Sona Comstar and Chairperson of the company’s CSR Committee.
The new centre aims to equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. During FY2026-27, the centre is expected to train 220 youth across high-demand vocational programmes, including CNC Operations, Electrician, and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI).
The initiative reinforces Sona Comstar’s commitment to industry-led skill development and workforce readiness by aligning training programmes with evolving industry requirements. Through its collaboration with Tata STRIVE, the company seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment while contributing to the development of a skilled talent pool for India’s growing manufacturing and services sectors.
The launch of the Chakan facility marks another step in Sona Comstar’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts focused on empowering youth through vocational training and creating long-term employment opportunities.
Located in one of India’s leading automotive manufacturing hubs, the Chakan centre has been established to align skill development with local industry demand. During FY 2026–27, it will train 220 unemployed youth in CNC Operations, Electrician and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), equipping them with industry-relevant skills for employment across manufacturing and services.
The new centre builds on the success of the Sona Comstar–Tata STRIVE Skill Development Centre in Chennai, which has trained 623 young people, achieved an approximately 80% placement rate, and recorded around 42% female participation. The Chakan centre seeks to replicate this proven model by connecting skill development with local industry demand and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking during the inauguration, Ms Priya Kapur said, “Every young person I met had a different story to tell. Different struggles, different ambitions, but the same dream of building a better future. It was inspiring to hear their journeys and learn what brought them here.
Skilling is about much more than employability. It equips young people with the confidence, dignity and practical skills to build better livelihoods. Partnerships like the one between Sona Comstar and Tata STRIVE demonstrate how industry can play a meaningful role in preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow. I hope the Chakan centre becomes a launchpad for hundreds of such journeys.”
During her visit, Ms Kapur interacted with trainees and faculty, learning about their aspirations and the challenges they face in entering the workforce. The conversations underscored the importance of making industry-relevant skill development accessible to young people and creating opportunities closer to where employment demand exists.
