TTT NEWS NETWORK
MUMBAI | 15 MAY 2026
VFS Global Foundation announced the opening of its first skills training centre in Mumbai, and the sixth in India, reaffirming its commitment to equippinglocal youth with vocational skills for careers in travel, tourism, and retail.
The initiative supports students from underserved communities by strengthening employability and enabling long-term progress for their families.The first batch will include 30 students, who have already been enrolled. The course has been structured by VFS Global Academy, the Foundation’s knowledge partner, to provide students with future-ready training, career guidance and practical skills to helpthem transition confidently into employment.
The new Mumbai centre will offer a one‑month Certificate Programme for Retail Associates. With Mumbai recognised as India’s retail capital,demand for skilled retail professionals is particularly strong. Students will be trained by experienced industry practitioners, ensuring they gain accurate knowledge of the sector and are well‑positioned to secure placements upon completion.
This initiative highlights VFS Global Foundation’s commitment to empowering underserved sections of society through skill development. By offering practical,industry-aligned training, the Foundation ensures that young people gain the confidence and capabilities needed to enter the workforce.
The centre was inaugurated by Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), VFS Global; Dr Gayathri Vasudevan, Founder, Sambhav Foundation; SaugataRoy Chaudhury, Executive Director, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); along with senior officials from the academy.
Speaking on the occasion, Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer, VFS Global said, “Skill development is central to VFS Global Foundation’smission. Our new Mumbai centre offers underserved communities practical retail training that leads to employment and long-term family progress. With VFS Global Academy as our knowledge partner, we ensure programmes are future-ready, industry-aligned, and supportiveof the Government of India’s Skill India initiative.”
Through this initiative, VFS Global Foundation continues to support youth upskilling while strengthening the talent pipeline for the retail,travel and tourism industry. In the last couple of years, the academy has trained over 2,800 students across academy programmes, university-integrated courses, corporate training and CSR initiatives.
About VFS Global
As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation,including Generative AI, to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivityand enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while servingas the trusted partner to 71 client governments. Operating over 4,100 Application Centres in 168 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 542 million transactions* since 2001. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority ownedby Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, along with minority shareholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Singapore based Temasek and UAE based Dubai Holdings.
* Comprised of 337.50 million transactions by VFS Global and 204.92 million transactions by CiX Citizen Experience
About VFS Global Academy
VFS Global Academy is at the forefront of providing innovative, learner-centric vocational education and upskilling programmes. With a vision to meetthe growing demand for skilled professionals in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, it combines academic rigour with practical experience. The Academy’s programmes focus not only on domain-specific expertise but also on essential soft skills, equippingstudents to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly changing industry. Its commitment is to nurture the next generation of professionals and industry leaders capable of thriving in a global environment.
The Academy currently operates in four countries. In India, it has academies in Jaipur, Mumbai, and Varanasi, with plans to expand to Guwahati, Hyderabad,and New Delhi. Internationally, it is present in China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with planned expansion into Sri Lanka and the UK. Over the next five years, the Academy aims to extend its presence to 10 additional countries and 20 more locations across India,with a goal of training between 8,000 and 10,000 students.
About VFS Global Foundation
Registered in 2024, VFS Global Foundation empowers young people from marginalised communities in India through education and vocational training. In partnershipwith non-governmental and community organisations, it offers specialised training in travel, tourism, and hospitality curated by VFS Global Academy. The Foundation runs Skilling Centres in Ahmedabad, Deoghar, Ekta Nagar, Lucknow, and Chandigarh.
Advertisement:
Add Comment