Monday, October 17 2016: As part of its commitment to having a diverse workforce representing local communities, the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company is supporting youth of Tharparkar on their journey from hands-on training to meaningful careers by signing training agreements with the Descon Training Institute.

After the recent HTV Drivers and Scaffolders training & employment program under its CSR framework, SECMC now plans to train local Tharis in professional civil works for its power and mining projects in Thar Coal Block-II.

The training program is a joint venture between SECMC and Descon Training Institute (DTi), under which the local communities shall be educated in certified civil trades relevant to mining and power project activities. The four-month on site program shall commence from October in specialized trades such as Masonry, Shuttering, Steel Fixing, Pipe Fitting, and Paint jobs. Selected trainees from block-II and surrounding communities shall also be entitled to stipends. The project’s EPC Contractor, China Machinery Engineering Corporation has committed to partly fund the training as well as hire successful trainees.

Speaking at the signing event, Syed Abul Fazl Rizvi, Chief Operating Officer SECMC shared that “hundreds of Tharis have been employed under our ‘Khushaal Thar’ employment program. Engro will continue to develop community investment programs that respond to local needs and situations in an ethical manner recognizing traditional rights and values, and respecting cultural heritage.

Mr. Toheed Iqbal, Head of DTi, also expressed his feelings by saying, “Once again, SECMC has put their trust in us for certified training of the local people. It is a challenge for us and we can already see people of Thar benefiting from skill development on a much larger scale”.

Engro provides tailored training and employment programs and supports the development of indigenous communities. It provides scholarships and invests in projects to promote socio-economic and cultural well-being leading to improved quality of life.