Diageo India empowers 200 women with hospitality skills

Diageo India, in collaboration with the TSL Foundation, recently celebrated the graduation of 200 women trained in hospitality and quick-service restaurant (QSR) skills under its flagship ‘Learning for Life’ programme. The convocation ceremony, held in Delhi-NCR, was attended by Devashish Dasgupta, Director, Corporate Relations, Diageo India, and Sahil Arora, CEO, TSL Group, alongside recruiters from leading hospitality brands.

The programme provides over 300 hours of skill-based training, conducted by experienced professionals from academia and industry. The curriculum equips students with expertise in front office administration, food and beverage services, interpersonal skills, and digital literacy. Graduates also receive industry- or government-approved certification, ensuring they are work-ready and well-prepared for careers in the hospitality sector. Employment partners, including Hilton Inn, Crowne Plaza, JW Marriott, and Le Meridien, have supported the initiative by offering employment opportunities to successful candidates.

For students like Kavita, the programme has been transformative. “Being a part of the Learning for Life programme has been a life-changing experience for me. The training not only enhanced my technical skills in hospitality but also boosted my confidence and communication abilities.”

As part of Diageo India’s ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan, the company aims to ensure that 50 percent of the beneficiaries of its CSR and community initiatives are women. This initiative is a step toward fostering inclusion and diversity by providing women with employable skills in hospitality and tourism.

Speaking at the event, Devashish Dasgupta, Director, Corporate Relations, Diageo India, said, “This initiative is aligned to our ‘Spirit of Progress’ goals, and we will continue efforts to make a positive impact on society, enhancing employability and improving livelihoods through our skilling initiatives. Being a part of the ceremony and hearing their stories of impact motivate us to stay committed to this programme.”

To date, Learning for Life has trained over 5,000 youth for careers in the business and hospitality sectors, reinforcing its commitment to skill development and employment generation. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, creating opportunities, and driving meaningful change in the communities we serve,” stated Sahil Arora, CEO, TSL Group.