Meet Kamlesh, a BFSI Trainer with the PI Foundation, working through RuralShores Skills Academy.
For the past two years, Kamlesh has been preparing rural youth for careers in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector. His training combines essential BFSI skills—like customer handling, financial product knowledge, and workplace etiquette—with a strong focus on English communication. Kamlesh helps learners build the confidence to engage professionally, communicate clearly, and succeed in real-world BFSI roles.
In this conversation, he shares his strategies, challenges, and the impact of empowering youth through skill-based training.
Q1: For how long have you been training rural youth in BFSI and English communication?
Ans: I have been training rural youth in BFSI and English communication for the past 2 years through the PI Foundation and RuralShores Skills Academy. During this time, I’ve helped learners understand banking concepts, customer handling, and financial literacy—while also building their confidence in spoken English.
Q2: What are the biggest challenges in training students for BFSI roles?
Ans: Many students come from non-English backgrounds and lack exposure to banking terms or customer-facing situations. They are often afraid of speaking English or using the wrong words. That fear can hold them back, even when they understand the content. The challenge is to make them feel safe and motivated to practice—without fear of judgment.
Q3: How do you help students become more confident in English for BFSI jobs?
Ans: I start with simple speaking tasks—like introducing themselves or explaining basic banking terms in English. Then we move to practical role-plays, mock interviews, and group discussions. These simulate real BFSI scenarios and help them build fluency gradually. I also keep reinforcing that making mistakes is okay—what matters is trying.
Q4: How do you track improvement in your students’ BFSI and communication skills?
Ans: I assess them through regular activities—mock counters, group discussions, and short presentations. I look for how confidently they speak, how accurately they use BFSI terms, and how clearly they explain a process. Progress is visible when a shy student starts managing full customer dialogues or explaining banking steps on their own.
Q5: Can you share an example of a student who grew through BFSI and communication training?
Ans: Yes, I remember a student named Prakash Machhi. When he joined, he was very quiet and hesitant to speak in English. Through regular practice, mock customer interactions, and encouragement, he gained confidence. Eventually, he was able to explain banking processes clearly and gave his job interview in English. Seeing his growth in both BFSI knowledge and communication was truly rewarding.
Interviewed By- Abhinav Bajaj & Neha Babbar