Microsoft plans to train 6,000 students and 200 faculty members at government-led Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skills Training Institutes (NSTIs). The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to provide training.
The service trains students and teachers in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, web development, and cybersecurity skills. This training aims to equip candidates with industry-relevant skills, enhance their employability and connect them to relevant opportunities.
“This cooperation will contribute to the establishment of a skilled workforce that can effectively address cybersecurity challenges and ensure the safe and responsible use of data in the digital environment,” said Minister for IT Affairs (MoS) Rajeev Rajeev. Chandrasekhar said.
“They will be mentored by industry experts and will engage candidates in in-depth sessions and multifaceted capstone projects,” Microsoft said in a statement.
Microsoft will conduct trainer workshops on these technologies for faculty. It further states that after the training, faculty members will train ITI students to participate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) training.
Additionally, the CyberShikshaa program will be expanded to 10 NSTI students and educators for women. Her Cyber shikshaa project at Microsoft was first introduced in her 2018 to train women in cybersecurity in collaboration with industry group Nasscom and the national government.
“Empowering Indian youth with digital skills is crucial to building economic resilience and ensuring a bright future for all. Together, we are building an inclusive future for the young leaders of tomorrow, through this sustainable skills acquisition and employment flywheel. It unlocks the full potential of the country’s workforce,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, executive vice president and president of National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft. .
