Nasscom Foundation and global technology company IBM have joined hands to launch a major training program for young people across India. This initiative aims to train over 87,000 youth from communities that have less access to technology and opportunities. The goal is to give these students important digital skills, specific industry knowledge, and abilities needed for today's jobs. By doing so, the program helps reduce the gap between those with and without digital access, preparing young Indians for success in our fast-moving, technology-driven world.
Core Digital Skills Training
At the heart of this collaboration is IBM SkillsBuild , a free online learning platform. This platform offers a wide range of courses in modern technologies that are crucial for many jobs today. Students will be able to learn about:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): This field teaches how computers can perform tasks that usually need human intelligence, like learning and solving problems. Learning AI helps students understand future technologies that are becoming part of everyday life and many industries.
- Cybersecurity: This skill is about protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft or damage. With more activities moving online, jobs in cybersecurity are growing rapidly, making this a vital area for students to master.
- Cloud Computing: Students will learn how information and software can be stored and accessed over the internet, rather than on a local device. Cloud computing is now a backbone for many businesses, and understanding it is key for various tech roles.
- Data Analytics: This involves looking at large amounts of data to find patterns and make sense of information. Data analysts help businesses and organizations make smarter decisions, and this skill is highly valued across almost all sectors.
- Professional Development: Beyond technical know-how, the program also focuses on teaching important soft skills. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, which are essential for thriving in any workplace and advancing one's career.
Student Development and Career Paths
The program is built to help students develop strong competencies and improve their chances of finding meaningful work. It focuses on making them ready for various career paths in the digital economy. Students will experience learning that is very engaging and hands-on, helping them understand complex topics better.
They will also get the chance to be guided by mentors, who are experienced professionals. These mentors will share their knowledge and provide advice. Such guided experiences are key for technical growth and for building the professional confidence young people need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Program Delivery Model
This training program will be available across different parts of India. It uses a flexible, hybrid approach. This means the program will work directly with colleges and universities, setting up training sessions and resources on campus. Additionally, it will partner with several organizations that specialize in technology training. This combination allows the program to reach a large number of students, both through traditional classroom settings and through online resources, making sure the learning is accessible and effective for diverse groups.
Impact on India's Digital Vision
Jyoti Sharma , CEO of Nasscom Foundation, spoke about the positive impact of this partnership. She stated that Nasscom is actively working to improve India's digital economy. By equipping young learners with these valuable skills, the foundation aims to change individual lives. This also helps strengthen India's overall digital workforce. The initiative directly supports India's larger vision of creating a digitally empowered society, where technology skills help everyone grow and contribute to the nation's progress.
