Introduction: Empowering Military Veterans for a Bright Future in the Workforce A major partnership is making waves in India’s workforce. upGrad, the Bengaluru-based edtech unicorn, is teaming up
A major partnership is making waves in India’s workforce. upGrad, the Bengaluru-based edtech unicorn, is teaming up with the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) to help military veterans and their families transition smoothly into the corporate world. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between the skills veterans have gained during their service and the skills needed in today’s fast-evolving job market.
Through this initiative, upGrad plans to provide training and upskilling programs in essential sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Marketing, Data, and vocational courses. This collaboration will equip veterans and their dependents with the skills they need for both white-collar and blue-collar roles, promoting social and economic inclusion across India.
Military veterans often face a unique set of challenges when transitioning into civilian careers. After years of dedicated service to the nation, many struggle to bridge the gap between their military experience and the demands of the corporate world.
The partnership between upGrad and AWPO is designed to empower veterans, their wives, children, and widows of martyrs by offering them training programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the corporate sector. The program is aimed at providing veterans with the knowledge and skills that will make them job-ready for the private sector.
Srikanth Iyengar, CEO of upGrad Enterprise, expressed pride in working with AWPO to contribute to the nation’s development. He said, “It’s a matter of great pride for upGrad to work closely with AWPO and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building. Our partnership is a powerful response to the growing organic demand we are witnessing from all over the ecosystem—not just corporate India.”
The partnership is a much-needed step to help veterans integrate into a rapidly evolving workforce, allowing them to bring their valuable leadership and discipline to new roles in civilian life.
The Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) plays a key role in supporting retired military personnel and their families in their post-service life. Established in May 1999, AWPO is a non-profit organization that helps veterans, their widows, and dependents find employment opportunities across government, semi-government, and corporate sectors.
AWPO’s mission is to ensure that retired military personnel don’t face financial instability once they leave the army. The organization has already helped place over 1.3 lakh veterans into jobs, building one of India’s strongest placement networks for ex-army officials.
According to Major Gen Ajay Singh Chauhan (Retd), Head of AWPO, this partnership with upGrad is a vital step in addressing the skills gap faced by veterans as they enter the civilian job market. He said, “Many face challenges supporting their families with pensions, making career transitions vital. The partnership with upGrad is key in helping us understand the skill sets and shortcomings of these veterans. While they bring valuable experience, the needs of the industry vary, and upGrad’s role in upskilling them makes them industry-ready.”
The heart of this partnership lies in providing military veterans with relevant and industry-specific training to help them transition seamlessly into the civilian workforce. upGrad’s programs will cover essential domains such as:
AI is transforming industries across the globe, and veterans trained in this field will be equipped to work in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.
As businesses continue to shift online, the demand for skilled digital marketers is growing. Veterans with a background in this field can tap into opportunities in content creation, SEO, social media management, and more.
The rise of big data means companies are always looking for professionals who can analyze and make sense of large data sets. Data analytics skills can open up opportunities in business intelligence, market research, and more.
In addition to technical fields like AI and digital marketing, the partnership will also focus on vocational training in a variety of sectors, making it easier for veterans and their families to explore both blue-collar and white-collar roles.
These programs are designed to equip veterans with market-relevant skills, making them more competitive and prepared for the demands of the corporate world.
This initiative goes beyond just finding jobs—it is about creating long-term career growth for veterans and their families. By providing a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills, the partnership aims to foster economic and social inclusion. It gives veterans a sense of purpose and financial independence, which is especially important for the dependents and widows of soldiers who may have lost their loved ones in service to the nation.
Veterans often have a wealth of experience, from leadership to problem-solving skills. These are qualities that many corporations actively seek. With the right training, veterans can seamlessly transition into roles that benefit both their personal growth and the companies that hire them.
For corporate India, this partnership represents a unique opportunity to tap into a talent pool that is often overlooked: military veterans. These men and women bring a diverse set of skills and a strong work ethic, making them excellent candidates for leadership and operational roles.
By upskilling veterans and their families, this partnership also addresses the growing skills gap in various industries. It will help businesses find individuals who are not only qualified but also committed to their work and possess unique leadership qualities.
Corporations that are open to hiring veterans will likely benefit from a diverse workforce with a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and adaptability. This can help improve workplace culture and bring fresh perspectives to teams.
This collaboration between upGrad and AWPO has the potential to change the lives of thousands of veterans and their families. By providing them with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to succeed in the corporate world, the partnership is helping them secure a bright future after their military service.
For upGrad, this initiative is not just about upskilling veterans—it’s about nation-building. Srikanth Iyengar said, “It’s a matter of great pride for upGrad to work closely with AWPO and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building.” The upGrad-AWPO collaboration is a step toward making a positive impact on the country’s workforce, by ensuring veterans are not left behind.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Service and Career
Through this partnership, upGrad and AWPO are making it easier for veterans and their families to enter the corporate workforce. The collaboration will help these brave individuals transition smoothly from military service to civilian careers, giving them the skills and support they need to succeed.
As India’s workforce continues to evolve, the military veterans who once served the nation will now be equipped to serve corporate India with the same dedication and expertise they brought to the battlefield.
