Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Highlights Workforce Upskilling Model Through Learn, Earn and Flourish Programme

Pharmaceutical major Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has detailed the impact of its Learn, Earn and Flourish Programme (LEFP), an initiative aimed at workforce transformation and skills development in the manufacturing sector. What began roughly 25 years ago as an experimental training project for rural youth at the company’s Yanam plant has since expanded into a structured human resources strategy.

According to G V Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the programme focuses on developing Self-Management Teams (SMTs) within pharmaceutical manufacturing. The initiative is designed to address the traditional vulnerabilities of ground-level workers, who often face temporary employment traps and a lack of career stability.

Under the LEFP model, selected youth receive a stipend and hostel facilities while working and pursuing higher education. Participants eventually earn degrees in pharmacy, engineering, sciences, or other specialized fields required for manufacturing operations. Prasad noted that the model functions as part of the company's human resources strategy rather than a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, acknowledging that it involves higher costs than traditional hiring due to the facilities provided.

Data shared by the company indicates that 4,917 people have participated in the programme to date. Of this total, 4,167 individuals have graduated, while 462 are currently pursuing their degrees. Alumni of the programme have taken on roles in formulations and other segments of the pharmaceutical industry, with 1,693 currently employed at Dr Reddy's and others securing opportunities globally over the years.

The company stated that the top advantages of the initiative include a motivated, multi-skilled workforce and clear pathways for individual career growth. Participants, such as current trainee Viveka from Srikakulam, have noted the value of combining practical industry training with continuous learning opportunities.

To document its experience with the initiative, Dr Reddy’s has published a book titled Learn, Earn & Flourish: A Playbook for India’s Manufacturing Workforce, launched recently at a gathering of select invitees. Company leadership hopes that sharing these outcomes will encourage broader industry and government adoption of similar models to address manufacturing skills gaps.

"Dr Reddy’s initiative demonstrates that investing structurally in human capital yields long-term operational advantages. By integrating education with employment, the company addresses both the industry-wide skills gap and employee retention challenges. For growing businesses, treating workforce upscaling as a strategic asset rather than an overhead cost can build a more resilient and capable organization." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes