CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH Industrial, has introduced ‘Project Shilpi’, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at training unemployed youth in the servicing and maintenance of backhoe loaders. Launched on July 17, 2025, in New Delhi, the program addresses the shortage of skilled technicians in India’s construction equipment sector.
Program Overview
‘Project Shilpi’ is a three-month training program targeting economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly those who have completed Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) or hold diplomas. The initiative focuses on youth aged 18 and above who face financial or logistical barriers to pursuing long-term vocational training. The program follows a blended learning approach, comprising an initial boot camp, 26 hours of online theoretical instruction, and 520 hours of hands-on practical training. Participants also engage with industry professionals and undergo third-party assessments for certification.
Skills and Certification
Upon completion, trainees acquire competencies in operating, maintaining, and servicing backhoe loaders. The curriculum includes safety protocols, environmental compliance, and customer communication. The program aims to create a “job-ready talent pool” of certified technicians, aligning with the government’s Skill India Mission and supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Community Impact
Kavita Sah, India CSR Head at CNH Industrial, emphasized that ‘Project Shilpi’ addresses a critical gap in the construction equipment industry while empowering individuals to achieve socio-economic independence. The initiative reflects CASE Construction Equipment’s commitment to enabling communities through skills that transform lives.
This program adds to CASE’s ongoing efforts in skill development, including the ‘Hunar’ and ‘Vijeta’ initiatives, which focus on training youth in backhoe loader operations and sales, respectively. Collectively, these programs contribute to building a skilled workforce and fostering career opportunities in the construction equipment sector.