Chai Point Rolls Out Skill-Based Education Program Across India

Chai Point, recognized as the world’s largest tea-led beverage platform, has entered a strategic collaboration with Medhavi Skills University (MSU), a university known for skill-based higher education, to roll out a workforce development initiative across India. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Chai Point’s headquarters in Bengaluru to launch a "Learn While You Earn" model, aimed at frontline workers.

The initiative will be rolled out across Chai Point’s retail network and will allow frontline team members to pursue UGC and AICTE-recognized educational programs. Eligible employees—those who have completed 10th or 12th grade—can enroll in one-year certificate courses, two-year Diploma in Vocation (D.Voc), or three-year Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) programs. The program does not impose any age restrictions.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Sajeev Kumar S, Vice President - Industry Relations at MSU, and senior leadership from Chai Point including Mr. Kalappa K B, CHRO, and Mr. Allen Mathias, AGM MTA. The collaboration focuses on three main objectives: increasing access to industry-linked education, providing skill-based career development, and jointly creating curricula tailored to the sector's needs.

All programs under this initiative will be delivered on-site at Chai Point retail outlets, providing employees with hands-on experience while pursuing formal education.

"We are thrilled to partner with Medhavi Skills University to cultivate the next generation of talent through the 'Learn While You Earn' model," said Kalappa K.B., Head of People at Chai Point. "This initiative offers individuals the opportunity to elevate their education while contributing meaningfully to the workplace, reflecting our commitment to education, sustainability, and workforce empowerment."

At present, more than 900 frontline employees across Chai Point’s CP Experience and CP Everywhere divisions are eligible to participate. The partnership also plans to introduce a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on Chai and Coffee Brewing, and explore the development of MBA programs tailored for mid- and senior-level managers.

"Partnering with Chai Point enables us to deliver industry integrated programs that are grounded in real-world experience in the quick service restaurants and beverage industry. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of creating meaningful employment opportunities," said Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University.

“This partnership exemplifies our mission to co-create scalable Industry ready workforce development models that empower individuals through skill-based, industry-aligned education,” added Sajeev Kumar S, Vice President – Industry Relations, MSU.

Founded in 2011, Chai Point operates 180 retail stores across 9 major Indian cities and manages over 3,900 workplace community hubs in 119 cities. MSU, backed by over 300 industry partnerships, continues to strengthen its focus on work-integrated education aimed at increasing employability among the youth.

This partnership is expected to contribute to national workforce skilling goals, reduce barriers between education and employment, and provide scalable solutions for the QSR and hospitality sectors.