Somaiya - Leighton Construction Skills Institute is a joint initiative of Somaiya Vidyavihar nd Leighton International, an Australian based global company working in construction and infrastructure development industry, along with TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Western Australia.

The vision of the institute is to encourage the vocational training in India and subsequently produce high skilled workers trained in line with the international standards. The institute will not only provide a practical, hands on training by internationally trained staff, it will also provide job placement to all successful candidates and ensure further training on the job. In this way, the latest international know-how and practices can be transferred across India. The vocational training can also help ensure equality and cure unemployment in this country and we hope this becomes a catalyst for such interaction across the country.

First 2 centres were established in November 2007 at K J Somaiya Vocational Training Institute at Vidyavihar campus, Mumbai to focus on urban underprivileged youth and another in Nareshwadi Learning Centre in Dahanu, Thane district to uplift tribal youth. Somaiya trainers have completed the TAFE certification required for delivering the course. The construction skills training covers safety and environmental issues, steel fixing, scaffolding, formwork carpentry, concreting, brick laying and solid plastering.

The training in construction skills is being offered free of charge and applicants aged 18 to 25 years of age, with min. SSC pass or fail and willingness to work on construction sites abroad are admitted. Outstation candidates will get accommodation in Mumbai free of costs. All trainees, who complete the 2-month course will be awarded certificate and will be offered placement at one of Leighton’s construction sites in the Middle East, where they will work on prestigious projects including 5-star hotels, marinas, museums, art galleries, university campuses, bridges etc. The stipend given during a 6-moth on-site training is around Rs 7500 plus overtime, totaling on average Rs 10000 – 12000. Visa arrangement, accommodation, medical and transport is free of charge. Food currently needs to be covered by trainees. Further training and completion of advanced courses will commence and will be covered by Leighton.

By June 2008, Somaiya and Leighton plan to open 3 centers in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan. By the end of June 2009, the minimum of 4500 trainees will be trained in 8 centres.