“Though the programme has been there for two years, it is only now that the state has been able to finalise the agencies for training and get a 100 per cent placement assurance from them. In the last two years, nearly 7,000 students underwent training from small private firms, but only 3,300 could get a job immediately,” said Commissioner of Employment and Self-Employment Rajiv Jalota.

The youngsters will begin their 45-day course from November 15 at three locations in Pune. With the budget allocating Rs 85 lakh to the retail management scheme this year, Jalota said a target of training 2,500 youth had been set for the state. “The government will be paying nearly Rs 3,190 towards the training expense of each candidate, which includes Rs 2,740 towards training and Rs 450 towards travel expenses. With these agencies already having a tie-up with companies, it becomes easy for the student to be placed.”

The placement will be done through the District Employment Agency (DEA). The three agencies, selected after a tender process, are MT Educare, Pratham Infotech and Ideal Solutions.

The 250 students will be divided among the institutes conducting courses in Kothrud, Pimpri and Chinchwad areas. The training will also include an internship week at the malls.

Assistant director of District Employment Agency GA Sangde said those enrolling themselves for the course should be ninth class pass, belong to the Scheduled Castes/Tribes, OBC, VJNT and aged 18-30.

While more youths are expected to join the course, Sagar S from Ideal solutions said placements would not be a problem. “We have a good demand from Big Bazar, Reliance Fresh, More, Café Coffee Day, Loot Mart and Hindustan Lever and these youngsters can be immediately placed after their training.”

The youngsters will also be given course certificates. With earnings starting from Rs 4,000-5,000 and going up to Rs 9,000, the scheme is set to open doors for these youngsters.

“I have only seen malls from outside as I never had the courage to enter one.”