Akzo Nobel India Limited in collaboration with National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a certified Government of India Enterprise under micro, small and medium enterprises inaugurated its Paint Academy in the new premises of NSIC (Okhla, Delhi).

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Marten van den Berg (Ambassador of the Netherlands to India), P. Udayakumar (Director – Planning and Marketing, The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd.) and Rajiv Rajgopal (Managing Director, Akzo Nobel India Limited).

Elaborating on this initiative, Rajiv Rajgopal, Managing Director, Akzo Nobel India, said, “Akzo Nobel Paint Academy is a testimony of our AkzoNobel Cares commitment. In just 6 years, our Paint Academies are helping the youth who aspire to be gainfully employed and economically empowered. At the same time, Akzo Nobel is contributing to promote diversity and foster inclusion in decorative painter community. By giving an equal opportunity and livelihood rehabilitation for many women, transgenders, prison inmates and juveniles, the AkzoNobel Paint Academies are adding colour to the lives of people. In convergence with Skill India and driven by the support of NSIC, we are confident that the Paint Academy will fulfil the dreams of many more youth.”

According to the company’s In its five years at Delhi, AkzoNobel Paint Academy has benefitted over 1,500 youth. In its new avatar, the Delhi chapter aims to train 200 youth in the first year itself! Furthering diversity and inclusive culture within the field of painting, nearly 30% of the trainees in AkzoNobel Paint Academy will be women and youth including transgenders, prison inmates and juveniles. To promote learning without barriers, it also offers free hostel facilities for outstation students.

The month-long course in decorative painting empowers new-age painters to gain marketable skills. The training includes modules on modern painting techniques, knowledge of paint surfaces, use of safety tools and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The Academy also helps painters develop soft skills to ensure better customer satisfaction. On completion of the training program, Akzo Nobel India facilitates employment opportunities for the successful candidates with paint contractors.

In synergy with Government of India’s flagship ‘Skill India’ programme, Akzo Nobel India launched its flagship skill-development initiative AkzoNobel Paint Academy in 2015. Since then, the five state-of-the-art AkzoNobel Paint Academies in Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and two centers in Navi Mumbai have benefitted more than 9,000 youth.