Leh (Ladakh) [India], September 15 (ANI): Boeing India, along with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a renowned not-for-profit organization, on Friday announced the expansion of their Veteran Skilling Program to Ladakh, India.

Funded by Boeing, the program aims to empower ex-Indian Army veterans in Ladakh with employment skills, helping integrate them into the mainstream workforce in the region.

Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India, said,"We are committed to supporting our veterans through programs that enable progress for individuals, families, and communities. We have been working with our industry partners and local not-for-profit partners to help build capabilities for the aerospace and defence ecosystem in India - aligned with the Government's Skill India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

"We look forward to our continued partnership with LLF to run skilling programs for the armed forces and paramilitary personnel, veterans, and their family members across India," Gupte added.

Colonel R.S. Parihar, Commandant Ladakh Scouts Regiment (LSRC) joined Salil Gupte, Praveena Yagnambhat, chief of staffBGE Lead, Boeing India and South Asia; Sudeep Dube, senior vice president, Learning Links Foundation, and several esteemed officers of LSRC, to announce the program at a ceremony in Ladakh.

"The Boeing-funded veteran skilling program is an important platform. The Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO) has been working in synergy with Boeing India and LLF for the last four years and is indeed grateful for all their support towards the larger interest of our Indian Army Veterans,"said Maj. Gen (Retd.) Ajay Singh Chauhan (SC, SM), Managing Director-Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO), Delhi.

As part of the training program, veterans will undergo technical and non-technical classroom and practical skills training on various tools and applications that will prepare them for employment in diverse industries and areas. The curriculum will also include soft skills to help veterans adapt to the corporate environment. The first batch of the Veteran Skilling Program will commence in October 2023.

"Launched in 2019 with support from Boeing, the Veteran Skilling Program has been a pillar of strength for veterans, their spouses, wards, and war widows across India. Taking this program to a regiment that is known for its courage and valor in tough situations is an honor and an opportunity for us to serve the local communities for years to come," said Sudeep Dube, senior vice president, LLF.

As a socially responsible business leader, Boeing is committed to improving quality of life in the communities among which it operates. Through focused programs in skilling, education and nutrition, healthcare and sanitation, workforce development, and veterans' welfare, Boeing has positively impacted more than 5 lakh lives in India over the years. (ANI)