In a significant stride towards enhancing employability for underserved communities, the NIIT Foundation, in partnership with Angel One, has launched a transformative program. Initiated in 2022, this collaborative effort focuses on providing industry-specific training at no cost, targeting youth aged 18 to 28. The program emphasizes the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sectors, equipping participants with critical skills such as functional English, basic IT knowledge, and specialized sectoral proficiencies.
Utilizing a multifaceted approach, the initiative blends self-learning with instructor-led training through a Learning Management System (LMS). This method ensures that beneficiaries, often from underserved communities, develop the necessary skills to enhance their employability prospects significantly.
The program's impact is evident, with a notable 58% female enrollment rate. Furthermore, 71% of the participants (totaling 3,474 beneficiaries) have successfully secured placements in renowned organizations such as Quess Corp, C-Tech, Findrive Services, HDB Financial, and DBS Mintek Pvt Ltd. This achievement underscores the program's efficacy in preparing young individuals for the workforce.
The initiative spans several states and territories, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi NCR, and Karnataka. With the enrollment phase starting in April 2024, the program aims to empower 3,750 youth from underprivileged backgrounds by enhancing their skills and employability prospects.
Highlighting the program's significance, Sapan Moudgil, CEO of NIIT Foundation, stated, “NIIT Foundation’s meticulously designed curriculum aims to engage students through diverse courses that not only assist in developing soft skills like communication and analytical skills but also guide individuals through comprehensive training programs to enhance their adaptability and confidence, thereby preparing them for lucrative job placements and emerging victoriously. The heart of this project revolves around connectivity and accessibility, ensuring that these youths receive quality skill development without compromising on effectiveness. By carefully selecting program locations, we aim to place a strong emphasis on community needs and the presence of potential employers in proximity. This strategic approach aims to bridge the gap between industry demands and the skill sets of the youth.”
Shefali Hasija, Head of CSR at Angel One, added, “It is a well-acknowledged fact that a significant portion of today's youth lacks the skills and confidence required by the modern job market. This issue is even more pronounced in underserved communities – where access to opportunities and resources remains challenging. Hence, the success of this collaboration with NIIT Foundation to empower such young individuals is extremely heartening, and we look forward to continuing our partnership towards generating more impact.”