Boeing and learning links foundation train Andhra Pradesh students for aerospace careers

Boeing India and the Learning Links Foundation (LLF) recently announced having completed the third batch of students graduating from its industrial training program in aerospace production in Andhra Pradesh. In a fourth batch currently in process, this young people skilling program will upskill a total of 127 students by April 2025, Boeing reported.

During the felicitation ceremony, Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha Mathukumilli Sribharat stated, "This program not only increases jobs for our skilled youth population but also consolidates the state as a center of advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation."

The programme provides formal, industry-relevant training, hands-on exposure, and career guidance to students from govt polytechnics in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram districts with intensive training at the MSME Technology Centre, Boeing stated. The programme realized a 94% placement for students of its first two batches and continues to enable campus placements for incumbents in various industries, it continued.

Salil Gupte, Boeing India and South Asia President, stated, "Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook predicts the demand for 37,000 pilots and an equivalent number of technicians in South Asia during the next 20 years, with 90% of the demand for aeroplanes being driven from India.". This emphasizes the need for skilling of youth, even in new technology and aviation clusters such as Andhra Pradesh, to contribute to and aid the development of Indian aviation and core industries.

Boeing announced that the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) of Andhra Pradesh recognized the program's curriculum as a best training practice among vocational colleges. The recognition is attributed to the successful combination of soft skills training, technical training, and on-the-job training, all of which increase the employability of its trainees.

Nuriya Ansari, President, Learning Links Foundation, stated, "With the initiative launched in 2023 with the support of Boeing, this youth skilling programme is assisting in developing aerospace manufacturing talent. It is a privilege and a chance to develop potential to performance, in establishing a future-ready workforce for India in Andhra Pradesh."

1. Sribharat awarded the third batch graduates at govt Polytechnic College in Visakhapatnam. They were accompanied by Dr. Ramakrishna Rao, Deputy Director, Training and Placement, Department of Education; Murali Krishna Gannamani, Managing Director, Fluentgrid; Praveena Yagnambhat, Chief of Staff & CSR Leader, Boeing India and South Asia; Sudha Priyadarshan, Senior Vice President, Learning Links Foundation, and Boeing India and LLF delegates.

In the meantime, Boeing revealed that its annual procurement from India is over USD 1.25 billion. Its Indian supply chain comprises over 300 domestic companies and a joint venture to produce fuselages for Apache helicopters and vertical fin structures for the B737 family of aircraft. Last week, the American aerospace firm let go of around 180 employees at its engineering technology centre in Bengaluru. The action was part of the overall global workforce cut by 10 percent; Boeing employed around 7000 personnel in India