Initiative to drive inclusive retail workforce growth across India
To boost job readiness through classroom learning and pan-India on-the-job training
Eligible candidates receive government-recognized National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification that opens doors to long-term careers
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced a major scale-up of its flagship Samsung Digital & Offline Skills Training (DOST) Sales Programme, under which 9,400 young people from underserved communities will be trained for frontline retail roles. The initiative reinforces Samsung’s commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce and advancing India’s vision of inclusive economic growth.
Since its launch in 2021, the DOST Sales Programme has created a strong talent pipeline for India’s fast-expanding organised retail sector. With DOST Sales 4.0, which commenced this year, Samsung is doubling down on its skilling mission in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) and the Telecom Sector Skills Council (TSSC).
“Samsung is deeply committed to empowering India’s youth to participate meaningfully in the nation’s growth story. The DOST Sales Programme, an industry-first initiative, is a focused 5-month training programme designed to equip young people, especially those from underserved communities with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic retail environment. With training enrolment increasing three-fold this year, DOST is helping shape a stronger, employment-ready talent pool at a time when digital adoption is accelerating and retail continues to evolve,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications at Samsung Southwest Asia.
Structured, Industry-Ready Training Pathway
Each trainee undergoes a 120-hour online classroom module, led by certified trainers from ESSCI and TSSC, along with 60-hour training by Samsung Retail Sales Team. The curriculum covers:
- Customer interaction and communication
- Sales fundamentals and retail processes
- Product knowledge and demonstration skills
- Store operations and service excellence
During the 5-month on-the-job training (OJT) at Samsung retail stores nationwide, they gain hands-on experience in customer engagement, store processes, product education, and sales conversion and receive a monthly remuneration from Samsung to support their learning and training experience.
After assessment, eligible candidates receive a government-recognized National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned certification, enhancing their employability and opening pathways for long-term careers across India’s organised retail ecosystem.
Skilling the Next Generation of Retail Professionals
Through the DOST Sales Programme, Samsung provides young aspirants with the foundational skills required to build sustainable careers in consumer electronics retail. The structured curriculum prepares participants for roles as Sales Promoters—frontline experts who support customers with product information, demonstrations, and purchase decisions.
“ESSCI is proud to partner with Samsung for the DOST Sales Programme that strengthens India’s skilling ecosystem and empowers the youth. This collaboration creates real pathways to employment and fosters inclusive economic growth reinforcing our shared commitment to high-quality training, industry-aligned standards, and creating sustainable career pathways for India’s young workforce,” said Vinod Sharma, Chairman, ESSCI.
“At TSSC, our mission is to build a workforce capable of powering India’s fast-growing digital economy. Our partnership with Samsung under the DOST Sales Programme further augments our endeavour to deliver high-quality retail skilling and equip youth with industry-relevant competencies. The DOST programme ensures that skilling translates into meaningful employment opportunities, facilitates sustainable career pathways, and advances the inclusion of communities that have traditionally had limited access to structured skilling,” said Lieutenant General K H Gawas, CEO, TSSC.
Driving Impact at Scale: Skilling for Inclusive Growth
The DOST Sales Programme strengthens Samsung’s vision of Powering Digital India by supporting skill development at scale and ensuring young people from diverse social and regional backgrounds can access meaningful employment opportunities. By aligning with national skill development missions and collaborating closely with government-led Sector Skill Councils, Samsung continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s retail talent landscape.
DOST Sales 4.0 is yet another step in Samsung’s commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable growth by bridging skill gaps and helping India’s youth participate confidently in the country’s digital and economic transformation.