FUEL, SBI Foundation and SBI Life launch ‘Skilling for Future’ programme for underserved youth

Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), in collaboration with SBI Foundation and SBI Life, has introduced the ‘Skilling for Future’ programme to improve access to technology education and employment opportunities for young people from economically and socially disadvantaged communities.

The initiative aims to make eligible students job-ready by providing scholarships and free professional training in emerging technology fields. The courses will include Full Stack Java and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Python, focusing on skills that are increasingly relevant to the digital economy.

According to the announcement, the programme will follow a practical learning approach rather than relying exclusively on classroom-based theoretical instruction. Students will participate in coding exercises, hands-on assignments, live projects and problem-solving activities to develop technical skills relevant to industry requirements.A key focus area will be preparing candidates for employment opportunities at Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and established technology companies. The initiative also aims to strengthen students' professional capabilities through communication training, personality development and workplace-readiness sessions.

The programme seeks to address the financial challenges that prevent many talented students from accessing specialised technology education. Through scholarships and free training, the partners intend to make industry-oriented skill development more accessible to deserving candidates.

Placement Support and Career Guidance

Beyond technical education, ‘Skilling for Future’ will provide career development and placement assistance to participating students. The support will cover resume preparation, interview preparation and guidance to help candidates explore employment opportunities.The programme has been introduced under the theme ‘Today's Skills, Tomorrow's Opportunities’. Its broader objective is to help young people overcome financial barriers, acquire relevant technical expertise and improve their prospects of securing sustainable employment.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Ketan Deshpande, Chairman of FUEL, said the organisation was pleased to collaborate with SBI Foundation and appreciated its CSR support. He described the partnership as the beginning of a long-term journey focused on creating a meaningful impact.The organisations expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen access to technology education and create new career pathways for young people from underserved communities.

About FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University

FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University (FSU), promoted by Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), focuses on skill-based and entrepreneurship-oriented higher education.According to the organisation's press release, FUEL brings more than 18 years of experience in youth development initiatives across over 18 states. The university aims to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship by combining education with practical, industry-oriented skills.