Community Development Society (CDS) with support from IndiGoReach is implementing Vocational Training Centre for Youth an employment-linked skill development project in Lamka Churachandpur District Manipur. The project commenced following the signing of the project agreement on 25 March 2025.

The project focuses on providing skill training and employment opportunities to unemployed youth in the Hospitality – Food & Beverage sector. Priority is given to young people who are interested in building a career but have limited access to professional skill training career guidance and employment opportunities.

Training was conducted through a combination of classroom sessions and practical learning. Apart from the technical components of Food & Beverage services trainees were provided practical sessions communication and workplace skills personality development basic Hindi speaking classes mentoring and career guidance. Exposure visits and industry interactions were also organised to help trainees understand workplace practices and the working environment of the hospitality industry.

Assessment certification and placement support form an important part of the programme. After completion of training eligible trainees undergo assessment and certification. CDS coordinates with hotels and other hospitality establishments for placement interviews and employment opportunities. Trained candidates have secured employment in hotels and hospitality establishments in different parts of the country including Tamil Nadu Rajasthan Bengaluru Madhya Pradesh West Bengal and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

A significant development during the project period was the affiliation of the CDS Skill Centre with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) on 14 May 2026 for a period of two years. With this affiliation trainee assessments can be conducted under the affiliation of CDS Skill Centre and future assessment and certification processes can be undertaken in the name of the institute.

The project has a target to train approximately 480–500 youth in the age group of 18–30 years during the project period. Along with training and certification continued efforts are being made to link trained candidates with employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.