A large scale programme for training and placing persons with disabilities in the retail and allied sectors

TRRAIN's Pankh program in India trained 30,500 persons with disabilities by 2024, leading to 22,763 employments. It empowers retail employees and creates inclusive workplaces nationwide.

The Trust for Retailers & Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) is a charitable trust based in Mumbai that empowers employees in the retail industry. TRRAIN launched the Pankh – Wings of Destiny programme in 2011, a 45-day training and employability programme for persons with all types of disabilities in urban areas across India, later followed by a similar programme for women from marginalized backgrounds. Trainings are conducted throughout the country, and employees are supported in creating inclusive workspaces. By mid-2024, TRRAIN programmes had trained 30,500 people with disabilities, resulting in the employment of 22,763.

Problems Targeted

The lack of employment opportunities and job alternatives disproportionately affects people with disabilities, and at the same time the opportunities of the retail sector are not used.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

TRRAIN, a charitable trust in Mumbai, is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and marginalized young women by providing job opportunities in India’s vast retail sector. TRRAIN’s two main programmes, PANKH (for persons with disabilities) and TRRAINHer Ascent (for young women), are designed to equip trainees with essential skills for employment. The PANKH programme spans 45 days and the TRRAINHer Ascent is for 30 days, with both running eight hours daily. The training covers life skills (communication, grooming, etc.), English, ICT basics, and retail-specific skills. Using the National Occupational Standards curriculum, both programmes conclude with a certificate recognized by the Retailers Association Skills Council of India. In addition to classroom learning, TRRAIN offers hands-on practical training through visits to malls and retail labs, role-playing, and team-building activities, along with mock interviews for interview readiness. TRRAIN’s dedicated placement team connects trainees with retail employers, while job fairs facilitate real-time engagement. Employers such as Amazon, Landmark Group, Flipkart, Yum Brands, and Reliance Brands frequently hire graduates through their Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. To increase its reach, TRRAIN collaborates with educational institutions, NGOs, and skill-development organizations across 15 Indian states.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The TRRAIN project is funded through grants from major donors, including Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, Yes Foundation, and Hexaware, building on their CSR-related budgets. TRRAIN programmes continue to evolve, and there are plans to open 12–15 training centres equipped with computers, retail labs, and biometric facilities by 2024. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

Members of the Savings and Loan Groups are supported to start microenterprises.

Members of the Savings and Loan Groups are supported to start microenterprises.

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