Rapido, NSDC collaborate to bridge gap between training and jobs

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and one of the India’s leading bike taxi aggregators Rapido signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate skill development for gig workers. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between skilling and employability by integrating trained individuals into the gig economy, providing them with both part-time and full-time job opportunities.

It will combine NSDC’s expertise and infrastructure in skilling and training with Rapido’s bike taxi fleet and network to provide sustainable earning opportunities for candidates, accompanied by access to vehicles, skill development programmes, and stable income prospects. Emphasising their shared commitment to strengthening the gig economy, NSDC will facilitate the identification and mobilization of candidates and Rapido will establish a support system for driver partners (captains), including access to two and three-wheelers.

Commenting on the partnership, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated: “At NSDC, our mission is to empower India’s workforce with industry-relevant skills and connect them to meaningful earning opportunities. This collaboration is a significant step towards strengthening the gig economy by equipping individuals with the technical, behavioural, and safety skills needed to thrive as driver partners. We aim to foster inclusive growth, enhance employability, and ensure that every individual has skills and support to participate in India’s evolving mobility sector and broader economy.”

NSDC will also support the creation of effective job linkages by connecting individuals from its extensive training network to Rapido’s platform. Additionally, NSDC will co-develop standardized training curricula focused on technical, behavioural, and safety skills, and provide certification under its framework to enhance job readiness and service quality. The partnership will also see NSDC contributing to regulatory facilitation, branding, and targeted outreach, ensuring that more individuals can access sustainable livelihoods and professional growth through the gig economy.

Rapido’s digital platform will enable candidates to seamlessly access both part-time and full-time earning opportunities through a Captain (Driver)-friendly app and free onboarding process. To date, Rapido has facilitated income generation for over five million people, with nearly two million captains earning through its platform every month. To further, Rapido’s “Pink Mobility” initiative focused on fostering inclusivity, and provide special benefits to female captains(driver partners) working on the app part time and full time. With Rapido’s ongoing expansion into over 500 cities nationwide, the partnership offers earning potential with flexible working hours, catering to a diverse workforce across India.

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido, remarked: “We are thrilled to partner with NSDC in creating earning opportunities for over half a milliondriver partners every month. At Rapido, our mission has always been to empower individuals by fostering sustainable livelihoods. Our recently launched Pink Mobility initiative is a reflection of our focus on diversity and dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for women and building a more inclusive mobility ecosystem. This collaboration represents an important step forward as we work together to strengthen India’s gig economy and contribute to the growth of the mobility sector.”

NSDC and Rapido aim to elevate the technical, behavioural, and safety skills of driver partners (captains) through a certified training system, fostering market readiness and delivering quality service. This collaboration seeks to enhance candidate employability, enrich customer experiences, and support the long-term professional growth and long-lasting earning potential for driver partners (captains).