Union Minister Piyush Goyal described the Apna facility as a pioneering initiative that uses AI-driven tools to help youth identify suitable career pathways, improve interview readiness and continuously upgrade their skills in line with evolving industry requirements.
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 6 June 2026: In a significant push towards building a future-ready workforce for Viksit Bharat 2047, Uttar Mumbai MP and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal today inaugurated a series of skill development, AI-enabled employment and industry-led training initiatives in Mumbai, underscoring the critical role of youth, technology and partnerships in shaping India’s growth story. The initiatives aim to equip young Indians with industry-relevant skills, enhance employability and create pathways to both domestic and global career opportunities.
Uttar Mumbai MP and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, today inaugurated the L’Oréal Training Centre, Apna AI-enabled Training and Placement Centre, and a Mid-Day Meal initiative supported by Malabar Group at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill Development Centre in Uttar Mumbai.
Addressing trainees, industry leaders and representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Goyal said that India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047 will be powered by the aspirations, positivity, skills and determination of its youth.
“India’s youth are the symbol of positive thinking and positive energy. It is this optimism and confidence that will take our country to greater heights and help build a Viksit Bharat,” Goyal said.
Highlighting India’s strong economic momentum, Goyal noted that India continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy and said that the country’s future growth would be driven by technology, talent, innovation and skilled human capital.
“We have the technology strength, the talent pool, the STEM graduates and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to power the future. Our youth are India’s collective strength and collective conscience,” he said.
The Minister commended CII, L’Oréal, Apna and other industry partners for creating a comprehensive skill development ecosystem that equips young people with industry-relevant capabilities and employment opportunities.
The newly inaugurated L’Oréal Training Centre will provide professional training in beauty and wellness services, while the Apna AI-enabled Placement Centre will leverage artificial intelligence to guide job seekers, assess skill gaps, prepare candidates for interviews and connect them with employment opportunities.
Goyal described the Apna facility as a pioneering initiative that uses AI-driven tools to help youth identify suitable career pathways, improve interview readiness and continuously upgrade their skills in line with evolving industry requirements.
Encouraging young people to embrace emerging technologies, he announced plans to establish additional skill development centres across North Mumbai and revealed that work is underway to create a major Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub that will help equip the next generation with advanced AI capabilities.
“We are setting up six such centres. This is only the beginning. I am also working towards creating a large Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub that will encourage young people to acquire future-ready skills and succeed in tomorrow’s economy,” Goyal said.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of international employability and encouraged trainees to take advantage of foreign language training programmes available at the centre, particularly Japanese language courses.
Noting the growing demand for skilled Indian professionals in Japan, he said that proficiency in foreign languages and understanding of global cultures could open pathways to rewarding international careers while significantly enhancing earning potential.
At the same time, Goyal stressed the importance of preserving India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
“Our mother tongues are our greatest strength. While learning new languages opens new opportunities, we must remain deeply connected to our roots and cultural identity,” he said.
Goyal lauded the growing participation of women in India’s workforce and said that empowering women through education, skills and economic opportunities remains central to India’s development journey.
“The strength of our women and daughters can take India to new heights. Greater participation of women in the economy will accelerate India’s growth and development,” he remarked.
Recalling the Government’s focus on initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, the Minister said that over the past decade India has made significant progress in expanding opportunities for women in education, skill development and formal employment.
The Minister also highlighted inspiring examples of inclusion at the centre, particularly the successful training and employment of differently-abled youth. He noted that skill development initiatives have the power to transform lives by creating self-reliance and dignity through meaningful employment.
Applauding the spirit of social responsibility demonstrated by participating organisations, Goyal cited the contribution of Malabar Group and emphasized that India’s tradition of giving back to society extends well beyond statutory obligations.
“Nation-building requires collective effort. Industry, government and society must work together to create opportunities for every citizen, especially those from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds,” he said.
Goyal urged trainees to become ambassadors of skill development and encourage friends, family members and neighbours to benefit from the opportunities available through such centres.
He also encouraged young professionals to use their skills in service of society by supporting those in need and helping others build brighter futures.
“Every individual is the architect of his or her own future. These centres can provide opportunities and guidance, but success ultimately depends on hard work, discipline and determination,” he said.
Concluding his address, Goyal expressed confidence that the enthusiasm, resilience and aspirations of India’s youth would continue to drive the country’s progress for decades to come.
“The dreams and energy of our young people give me confidence that India’s future is bright. Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous and developed India by 2047,” he said.
The event was attended by senior representatives of CII, L’Oréal India, Apna, Malabar Group and several industry partners associated with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill Development Centre.
