Microsoft and Shell collaborate to impart digital skills to non-IT students

Microsoft and Shell have collaborated to impart digital skills to students in vocational education institutions on February 15, 2023. This initiative is in keeping with their shared objective to equipping the workforce of tomorrow with skills that are future-ready.

The initiative’s aim is to provide 5,000 youths from 24 government institutions with digital productivity and employability skills and to get them ready for careers in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Emerging technologies are redefining the nature of work and the parameters of productivity in all sectors. Foundational digital skills are necessary for job roles across sectors that previously did not usually require them in order to cope with evolving requirements. Students in non-IT trades will be able to improve their job skills with the addition of digital curriculum to the training provided in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics.

The first phase of the program will focus on raising awareness about digital employment opportunities across Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu with a goal to enable livelihood opportunities for students in ITI and polytechnic trades such as electrician, electrical engineering, fashion designing, and more.

The initiative will also aid in improving the digital learning labs at these institutions and boosting faculty members’ skills to maintain the program’s outcomes. Each state will have the programme implemented by SRF Foundation, which will also offer 240 hours of training that includes modules on data analytics and workplace sustainability.

“Shell India is committed to support reskilling and upskilling programmes to bring employment opportunities within expanding energy and manufacturing markets, closer to the community,” said Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Relations at Shell India. Shell and Microsoft’s collaboration will help to produce a future-ready workforce and open new paths of education and job opportunities for students in ITI and polytechnic colleges.”

Also read: NSDC and Microsoft to empower 1 lakh underserved young women with digital skills https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/nsdc-and-microsoft-to-empower-1-lakh-underserved-young-women/

According to Gunjan Patel, Director of Microsoft Philanthropies India, “In today’s digitally driven economy, it is critical to equip the youth with digital skills in vocational education, especially in non-IT trades to meet the demands of the rapidly changing sectors. We are excited to collaborate with Shell on this crucial initiative boosting skills for jobs, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the youth of India.”