Diageo India signs MOU with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council to train students under its ‘Learning for Life’ programme

Bengaluru, 04 September 2025: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), among the country’s leading alcobev companies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to train 300 students under its ‘Learning for Life’ programme. The MoU signing was presided over by Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, Diageo India, Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, Mr. Navdeep Singh Mehram, Vice President - CSR & Sustainability, Diageo India and Mr. Vaibhav Verma, Vice President-Industry Engagement, THSC. This initiative reflects Diageo India’s commitment to building a diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce, in line with its Spirit of Progress ESG action plan.

The classroom-based training programme will be conducted at THSC-affiliated centres in Bengaluru by certified trainers and assessors. Designed as a short-term skilling initiative for unemployed and underprivileged youth, it is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). The curriculum covers technical training, communication, digital literacy, and soft skills to prepare candidates for roles in the hospitality, business, and service sectors, with the objective of enhancing employability and bridging industry skill gaps. Upon completion, participants will undergo assessment and certification by THSC, ensuring credibility and industry recognition. With its strong network of over 750 industry partners, THSC will also facilitate placements and apprenticeships, enabling candidates to secure meaningful employment across hotels, restaurants, quick-service chains, and allied services.

Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, Diageo India said, "The hospitality sector is a vital engine of growth and opportunity. Through “Learning for Life” and with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, we are empowering young talent with the skills and confidence to thrive, building not just careers, but a more inclusive India.”

Rajan Bahadur, CEO Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council said, “We are proud to partner with Diageo India on the ‘Learning for Life’ initiative, which aligns closely with our mission to skill and empower youth for meaningful careers. The hospitality sector continues to be one of the largest job creators, and this programme will provide participants with practical skills, exposure to industry standards, and a pathway to sustainable employment. At THSC, we believe such collaborations are critical to building a future-ready workforce and unlocking opportunities for India’s young talent”

Launched in 2020 and positively impacting the lives of 6500+ students, Diageo India’s ‘Learning for Life’ program aims to provide equal access to skills and resources, boosting employability, improving livelihoods, and supporting a thriving hospitality sector. Certified trainers ensure graduates are well-prepared for meaningful employment, bridging skill gaps and boosting workforce inclusion.

About THSC

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) was established in 2014 under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India. As an approved Awarding Body under the National Council of Vocational Education & Training (NCVET), THSC plays a pivotal role in strengthening the Skill India Mission by building a robust and future-ready workforce across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

About Diageo India

Diageo India is the country’s leading beverage alcohol company and a subsidiary of global leader Diageo Plc. The company manufactures, sells, and distributes an outstanding portfolio of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company has a team of nearly 3000 employees, 35 manufacturing facilities across India, a strong distribution network, and a state-of-the-art Technical Centre. Incorporated in India as United Spirits Limited (USL), the company is listed on both the NSE and BSE. For more information, visit www.diageoindia.com

Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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