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With more than 65 percent of Indians under the age of 35 and a skill gap
affecting roughly 50 percent of the workforce, India's demographic dividend can
only be realised if its rapidly growing labour force gains future-ready
competencies.
Recognizing that 63 out of every 100 Indian workers will
need new skills by 2030-and that over 70 million people could be left behind
without action-Microsoft India, in collaboration with NIIT Foundation, convened
industry leaders and nonprofits for the Future-Ready Workforce Conclave in
Bengaluru this Wednesday. The conclave showcased the impact of Project Future
Ready Skills, a joint initiative designed to narrow the country's skill shortage
and digital divide.
Launched in 2021, Project Future Ready Skills was
conceptualised to tackle India's digital divide at a time when more than 90
percent of the workforce holds education at or below secondary level, leading
more than 88 percent of workers occupying low-competency roles despite India
producing 16 percent of the world's AI talent. To address this disparity, and an
anticipated AI-enabled-workforce requirement of 1 million by 2026 with a 53
percent demand-supply gap, students are trained in employment-oriented,
future-ready skills such as Artificial Intelligence, web development and
analytics.
The project has achieved remarkable success: actual student
enrolment exceeded targets by 20%, and despite the higher-than-anticipated
intake, successful completions also surpassed benchmarks. All graduating
students received industry-recognised certificates, a milestone applauded by
stakeholders present.
Speaking on the project's success, Shri. N.B Kumar,
Secretary of Vidyavahini Group of Institutions remarked, "Our focus on cloud
services, digital transformation, education and cybersecurity perfectly
complements the objectives of the students Skilling and Livelihood through
Career Development Program by NIIT Foundation. We are proud to support an
initiative that is setting the stage for a future-ready workforce by imparting
skill training to students from rural background, empowering them to solve
tomorrow's challenges."
Mr. Vikram Kumar, National head Partnership and
Communications, NIIT Foundation, added, "NIIT Foundation is honoured to partner
with industry leaders such as Microsoft. The impact we can deliver through our
programmes is amplified by private-sector capabilities, driving measurable
enrolment outcomes and motivating students who value certifications from
companies like Microsoft."
Neha, a final-year student at Vidyavahini
First Grade College and programme graduate, shared, "The experience allowed me
to connect with like-minded peers and learn from industry experts, broadening my
perspective and laying a solid foundation for my career."
The program
placed graduates at leading employers including Muthoot Finance, ICICI Bank,
Tatwa Technologies and many others. To date, Microsoft India and NIIT Foundation
have enabled placements through more than 25 Career Guidance Talk Sessions and
four job fairs, demonstrating the project's role in transforming India's vast
demographic dividend into a truly future-ready workforce.
About NIIT
Foundation:
NIIT Foundation (NF) is a not-for-profit education society
(NGO) set up by the promoters of NIIT in 2004. Its mission is to positively
impact the underprivileged of the country through educational initiatives and
skill development programs. NIIT Foundation, an Education NGO has a mandate to
reach the unreached, uncared and unattended to ensure inclusive development of
India.
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