Balmer Lawrie & Co, a mini ratna category-1 public sector enterprise under the ministry of petroleum & natural gas, in collaboration with IATA Training & Development Institute (training wing of the International Air Transport Association) and Trade-Wings Institute of Management on Wednesday kicked off a training programme in travel and tourism for women as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. 

Balmer Lawrie has decided to impart three month training in travel and tourism to 100 girls from economically weaker sections across India, during the year 2011-12. The objective is to improve employability of the girl students. This is the first time that IATA is associating with a PSU in such a CSR initiative. 

The three month training programme will be conducted at the IATA approved training centres of Tradewings in four metro cities of Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. After completion of the course, successful candidates will be eligible for dual diploma - Diploma in travel & tourism management to be awarded by Tradewings Institute. 

Further, the successful candidates will be eligible to appear for IATA's Foundation Course examination held on quarterly basis. IATA/UFTAA Foundation Course Diploma is globally acceptable for employment in travel and tourism Industry. The candidates will also have an option to join any organization including Balmer Lawrie which has a significant presence in travel & tourism with 22 branches in the country. 

The programme was inaugurated by Mr. S K Mukherjee, chairman & managing director of Balmer Lawrie in the presence senior officials of Balmer Lawrie, IATA, Trade-Wings and other companies in travel and tourism industry. The programme will subsequently commence in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai in December. 

The entire training cost amounting to Rs.25 lakh will be borne by Balmer Lawrie. Additionally, each of the trainees will also be given a stipend of Rs 3,000 per month for 3 months. IATA and Trade wings have offered substantial discount in the course fee and all possible assistance to make the programme a success. 

ET