Microsoft has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to empower Indian youth with future-ready skills on June 1st, 2023. Under this partnership, Microsoft will provide training in AI, cloud computing, web development, and cybersecurity skills to around 6,000 students and 200 faculty members at government-led ITIs and NSTIs.
This training program aims to empower young students by equipping them with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability and connecting them to relevant job opportunities. Alongside future skills training in AI fluency, cloud computing, and web development, students can learn from industry experts, engage in multifaceted capstone projects, and participate in deep-dive sessions.
Train-the-Trainer workshops will also be conducted, empowering faculty members with skills in,
- AI fluency
- Cloud computing
- Web development
- Power BI
- Soft skills
These trained faculty members will then be able to impart their knowledge to ITI students specializing in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) training. Furthermore, the CyberShikshaa program, which focuses on basic and intermediate cybersecurity skills training, will be expanded to include students and educators at 10 NSTIs dedicated to women.
Welcoming the initiative, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Ministry of Electronics and IT, said, “With acceleration in digitalization post-Covid, there has been a huge demand for talent and skilled workforce in the tech space. Our platforms, like DGTs, ITIs and STIs, drive the skilling efforts from the frontline. I firmly believe that collaborations like that of DGT and Microsoft will play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, and Young Indians will get better access to more relevant skills in this fast-changing digital age. Our nation aims to become a trillion-dollar digital economy by 2026; therefore, investments and policies are being put in place to drive our growth in that direction. The Government’s top priority is safeguarding our digital nagriks from cybersecurity challenges like data breaches, hacking attempts, identity theft, malware attacks, etc. For this purpose, our skilling efforts must help build a skilled workforce capable of effectively protecting and defending digital systems and networks.”
Mr. Jean-Philippe Courtois, executive vice president and president of National Transformation Partnerships, Microsoft, said, “Empowering India’s youth with digital skills is crucial to building economic resilience and ensuring a brighter future for all. We are pleased to collaborate with DGT to train the country’s youth with the skills to succeed in today’s digital economy. Together, we can build an inclusive future for the young leaders of tomorrow and unlock the full potential of the country’s workforce through this sustainable flywheel of skilling and employment.”
In collaboration with multiple non-profit organizations, Microsoft provides diverse courses. With assistance from DGT, Microsoft will help place successful learners from this project by partnering with recruitment agencies and placement services and organizing state-wide job fairs to promote employment opportunities.
