Nasscom Foundation and IBM launch major digital-skills: How users can benefit?

Nasscom Foundation and technology firm IBM have declared the partnership of imparting modern digital and employability skills to more than 87,000 youths in India and marginally disadvantaged groups in particular. The program is meant to bridge the digital divide and equip the participants in the fast changing Indian technology driven economy. 

Students attending the Nasscom Foundation-IBM SkillsBuild programme are going to be taught critical digital and professional skills such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and workplace preparation skills such as communication, problem-solving, and career planning. The training is accomplished by the flexible hybrid framework of self-paced courses online, live sessions with a mentor, and projection learning. 

Nasscom Foundation and IBM launch major digital-skills: Details

With average online modules, the course can be finished in 4 to 12 weeks, based on the progress of the learner, whereas an advanced learning journey can take up to 3 to 6 months. All one requires to join is to create an account in IBM SkillsBuild platform to use a valid email ID and once that is created they can begin courses at once and they are free. 

The programme is not restricted to a particular academic level but requires a basic level of digital literacy and access to a smart phone or a computer with a working internet connection, so anyone with these qualifications can start the programme. The initiative will enable learners to gain job-ready skills and easily move into the digital workforce through the use of certificates, practical projects, and placement-linked support.

The mission of the collaboration is mentioned in a statement issued by Jyoti Sharma, the CEO of Nasscom Foundation, reported in the media on the initiative. In an interview with The Economic Times, she told them, “At Nasscom Foundation, we are committed to enabling India’s youth to actively participate in the digital economy. By equipping young learners, especially from underserved communities, with future-ready skills, career exposure, and access to learning pathways, we are helping unlock opportunities that can transform lives and strengthen India’s digital workforce.”  One of the quotes widely reported in the media, including The Economic Times, shows that the Foundation is determined to help close the digital skills gap in India.

The collaboration between the Nasscom Foundation and IBM provides young learners, particularly the underserved community, with a strong chance to learn digital skills in the real world at no cost. 

How can users benefit from theNasscom Foundation and IBM digital skill learning platform?

• IBM Skills Build global learning platform available to students and professionals around the world is completely free to the users. This implies that they are able to acquire the same in-demand skills, which the leading firms seek, without fear of tuition fees.

• The programme includes new technologies such as AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics and Professional Development. These are among the rapidly expanding sectors in the world. Acquisition of these skills enhances opportunities of getting well-paying jobs, internships or freelance jobs.

• The program offers mentorship and learning workshops. To users who might not get access to career advice at home or college, this support can assist them to learn how to craft a career, interviewing and building a good portfolio.

• The programme encompasses project-based learning and real-life problem-solving tasks. It will assist the participants to have the practical experience, which is very worthwhile in employment opportunities, as the employers will like those who can implement the skills rather than mere theory.

• IBM Skills course provides worldwide acknowledged online qualifications. Such certificates have the potential of enhancing the resume of a user, LinkedIn profile and job applications that would make a person attractive in a competitive job market.

• Because the programme has placement-based sessions, qualified learners are allowed to receive assistance in preparing to work, resume development, simulated interviews and networking with employers. This boosts the possibilities of having a smooth transition between learning and employment.

• Some courses are self-paced, and this means that the users are able to learn at any time of their choosing, be it after college, during weekends, or when they are otherwise engaged in other duties. This allows flexibility that facilitates the participation of students with various backgrounds.

• There are free learning materials in the form of videos and exercises available online. The users are not required to purchase expensive software or textbooks. With a smart phone and unlimited access to the internet, even the students with a remote or financially challenged background can upgrade their skills.

• Users will be exposed to the most recent digital tools and technologies by undertaking the programme. This makes them ready to work in the future in IT, digital marketing, data analytics, software positions, cloud engineering, and others, which are highly sought-after areas in India.

The road ahead

The CEO of Nasscom Foundation claims that the partnership is indicative of a mutual favouritism by the company with IBM to develop a digitally fluent generation, linking technology-enabled learning to livelihood opportunities. The objective is to expose the youths to career opportunities, particularly the marginalised communities, to learning opportunities, and future-relevant skills that can enhance employability and improve lives.

On the part of IBM, the alliance strengthens the company in its effort to increase the availability of advanced technology expertise in India. In the case of IBM, skilling has turned out to be one of the significant stimuli of inclusive and sustainable development in the digital economy.