Small-town dream, global stage: Jharkhand youth lands Hong Kong job

Jamshedpur: In a compelling story of determination and transformation, 23-year-old Dev Krishna Suman from Gosaidih village in Bundu block of Ranchi district has risen from modest beginnings to secure a prestigious international placement in Hong Kong—underscoring the life-changing impact of skill-based education.

Supported by the Tata Steel Foundation, Dev’s journey reflects resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to learning. Born into a middle-class family, his father, Budheshwar Gorai, a schoolteacher, and mother, Shobha Devi, a tailor, ensured that education remained a top priority despite limited means. 

Dev received his early education at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, where his father’s guidance instilled in him a strong work ethic and academic discipline.A meritorious student from the outset, Dev ranked among the top 10 in the Jharkhand Board examinations in 2018. 

Financial constraints, however, threatened to halt his academic progress. Undeterred, he began teaching local students while studying at St. Xavier’s Inter College, managing two batches of nearly 30 students each—an initiative that strengthened his self-reliance and leadership skills.

In 2020, Dev enrolled in the Turner trade at ITI Tamar, an institute established through a collaboration between the Tata Steel Foundation and the Government of Jharkhand.  Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he maintained consistency in his training, eventually achieving 100% attendance. 

His dedication paid off when he secured campus placement with CTC India.

Following initial experience in Gamharia and an apprenticeship at RKFL in Jamshedpur, Dev entered a transformative phase between 2023 and 2025, emerging as a highly skilled CNC programmer. 

He expanded his expertise beyond core responsibilities, mastering advanced machining processes including turning, cylindrical and ID grinding, VTL, VMC, profile grinding, and honing.

“Growth demands continuous learning beyond routine tasks,” Dev said, reflecting on his journey. 

“Even after long shifts, I made time to improve my programming skills and understand industrial operations deeply, " he added.

His perseverance culminated in 2025 with a highly competitive online interview conducted by Tata Steel Technical Institute (TSTI), where he secured the sole available position for an overseas role.

In 2026, Dev achieved a major milestone by joining VSC Construction Steel Solutions Limited in Hong Kong, with a monthly salary of  Rs 2.08 lakh, along with travel and accommodation benefits. 

The achievement marks a proud moment not only for his family but also for ITI Tamar, as Dev becomes the institute’s 38th trainee to be placed with the same company.

Principal Vishal Anand noted, “Dev’s journey exemplifies what consistent effort and the right guidance can achieve. His success reinforces the growing trust of industry partners in our trainees.”

Captain Amitabh, Head of Skill Development at Tata Steel Foundation, emphasized the broader impact: “Dev’s story demonstrates how skill development can unlock meaningful opportunities. When youth from small towns succeed globally, they inspire many more to believe that such aspirations are within reach.”

From a small village in Jharkhand to the global industrial stage, Dev Krishna Suman’s journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, skill, and the transformative potential of vocational education.