Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, in collaboration with Plan International, today announced the launch of its first skill center project in India, the Job Oriented Vocational Training Centre. The project is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering local communities and fostering future talent. This is UNIQLO’s first ongoing social contribution activity in India and will provide practical training and skills to underprivileged youth.

A significant step in UNIQLO’s efforts to invest in local talent and contribute to India’s economic prosperity, the three-year skill center project is designed to equip youth with the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. The project is funded through a donation by UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. of 120 Million Japanese Yen (INR 7 Cr*) over three years.

*Calculated as per exchange rate of March 18, 2025, Yen 1 = INR 0.58

Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO India, commented, “Inspired by our LifeWear philosophy of making everyone’s life better, we hope this skill centre project will have a life-changing, positive impact for thousands of young Indian people. It is a fundamental for UNIQLO that, in every country and region that we operate, we always contribute to the society, and this new project reaffirms our long-term commitment to the Indian community. Education is an integral part of individual and societal development and, working with Plan International, we look forward to providing opportunities to empower young people.”

The skill centre / saksham centre is located in Dwarka and will offer training in areas such as General Duty Assistant, Retail Trainee Associate, Sewing Machine Operator, and life skills like Digital and Financial Literacy, Gender Equality and Diversity, and Workplace Communication.

Participants for the skill centre are job seekers aged 18-29 living in economically disadvantaged areas of Delhi. Particular priority will be given to young people who have dropped out of school, whose parents/family members are migrant workers, who are in poverty, who have limited opportunities to find employment or receive vocational training. Through its grassroots social development work, Plan International (India Chapter) seeks to create lasting impact in the lives of underprivileged youth, their families and communities, by gender transformative community development.

This skill centre project is funded through UNIQLO’s PEACE FOR ALL project, which was launched in 2022. Through this project, all profits from sales of charity T-shirts are donated to international aid organisations, who use funding for targeted development projects around the globe.

The project will run until December 2027, with the aim of providing 2,700 youths with not just technical skills but also the tools to navigate the complexities of the professional world. Furthermore, UNIQLO is exploring internship opportunities at its stores and facilities for some participants of the program, giving them hands-on industry experience.

Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter), said that "With the launch of the new Saksham Centre, Plan, along with UNIQLO, will be creating opportunities for young women and men to gain market-oriented skills, secure sustainable livelihoods, and become active contributors to nation building. This initiative aligns with our commitment to quality education, gender equality, and work & economic growth. We are grateful to our partner UNIQLO for their support in making this vision a reality. Together, we are building a future where every youth has the opportunity and determination to contribute to Viksit Bharat."

As a further demonstration of UNIQLO’s strong commitment to fostering community engagement, UNIQLO employees will also be actively involved in the initiative, visiting the center to share their knowledge, offer mentorship, and help participating youth develop both professional and personal skills that are crucial for success. Through this initiative, UNIQLO hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and create a more inclusive and prosperous society.