Paints major Berger Paints India Ltd recently organised a training course for unemployed youth in West Bengal, in association with Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD). The participants of this 50-day training programme received certificates from Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and National Council for Vocational Training.

The training was held at Berger i-Train at Karigori Bhavan (West Bengal State Council of Technical Education), Rajarhat, Kolkata. The programme had two modules – the first was conducted at i-Train, and the second on site where the trainees were assigned work for 15 days under supervision of experienced workers and Berger contractors. The 360-degree training included theoretical and practical knowledge about paint and the industry. Subsequently, performance of the trainees was assessed by officials of National Council for Vocational Training and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. The certificates were awarded by Hon’ble Minister of West Bengal State Council of Technical Education Ashima Patra.

According to Berger spokesperson, “Berger Paints has always been a socially responsible organisation with its deep commitment to make a better tomorrow. We firmly believe in the idea of skilling India, and to support that initiative we thought of providing such a vocational training to the unemployed youths of today. We hope this initiative will definitely make a mark in creating a better future scenario.”

Additionally, the company has launched Berger Express Painting, an initiative to upgrade the painting process with the use of automatic painting machines. The mechanised painting process uses Berger Express painting tools that speed up the surface preparation and painting process, and ensure that the job is completed in half the time as compared to manual processes. Typically a 15-day paint job would now be completed in 8-9 days. Besides, the mechanised process delivers better surface preparation and a uniform finish, at the cost of conventional painting. Berger has set up infrastructure to train painting applicators to ensure that the customer painting experience is enhanced. It currently has 17 training centres – Berger i-Train – across the country where applicators are trained on usage of tools, application of various products, and basic soft skills and customer handling etiquette.

“Berger Paints considers itself to be in the business of décor and aesthetics and not merely selling cans of paint. It is this philosophy which has led to the introduction of innovations like Berger Express Painting, which are focused on making the painting experience engaging, convenient, fun and all about self-expression.