Visakhapatnam: In a significant step toward workforce development and in alignment with the Government of India’s Skill India Mission, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has launched a dedicated skilling initiative titled Quality Improvement and Compliance Knowledge (QUICK) training programme. The two-day programme, inaugurated on April 23, 2025, is designed to upskill approximately 2,000 contract workmen in key aspects of Shipbuilding Technology.
This initiative reaffirms HSL’s commitment to strengthening its contract workforce, often referred to as its “silent workforce”, by empowering them with vital knowledge and practical skills that will enhance the overall quality of shipbuilding and contribute to their professional growth.
Empowering the Backbone of HSL
The inaugural session was led by Capt. Venkateswarlu, Director (Shipbuilding), who emphasized the importance of quality workmanship and encouraged participants to adopt best practices across all shipbuilding domains. The sessions are being conducted in bilingual format by in-house subject matter experts, ensuring broad accessibility and impact.
Commenting on the launch, Cmde Hemant Khatri, Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, stated:
“Contractor workmen are the backbone of HSL’s operations. By empowering them with the right skills, we are building a stronger, more efficient, and more effective workforce that will contribute significantly to the Nation’s Maritime Might.”
Continued Focus on Worker Welfare
This skilling initiative follows HSL’s recent move to implement a Group Personal Accident Insurance policy for contract workmen – a clear indicator of the organisation’s long-term vision for worker welfare and safety.
HSL has confirmed that similar training programmes will be conducted throughout the year, forming part of a broader workforce development strategy aimed at delivering excellence in shipbuilding for defence and commercial clients alike.