Getting students to get the right picture and also to improve their understanding and in turn improve their employability is imperative. There have been many efforts like finishing schools that attempt to increase the employability and widen the talent pool. Among the private initiatives is a global initiative by the US-based Junior Achievement (JA).
JA Worldwide is a global firm dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school educational programmes for students which focus on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.
Junior Achievement (JA) India, the Indian subsidiary of JA Worldwide is working with EMC India centre of excellence to help bridge the skill gaps between the Indian IT industry and fresh graduates from colleges. EMC is a global information infrastructure solutions firm.
This relationship will involve EMC India's centre of excellence's volunteers and JA India engaging with engineering students aspiring for a career in the Indian IT industry by developing their understanding of the Indian economy, IT industry and the workplace. This will enable the students to make a more informed decision on the potential career opportunities in IT.
Driven by a blend of practical knowledge, shared experiences and real business situations interspersed with business simulations, the interactions are aimed at demystifying businesses and organisations to students and help them understand how IT organisations work and the role professionals play.
Sean C Rush, President and CEO, JA Worldwide, said, "For maintaining the competitive advantage, there is a need for skilled workforce and it is necessary to inform students wanting to enter the IT sector."
JA offers classes to improve the understanding of the real world right from the kindergarten level in the US. JA has an expenditure of about $250 million and reaches 8.3 million students.
Sarv Saravanan, Vice President and Managing Director, EMC India's CoE said, "Given the employability gap India is facing and the wide career choices available, our relationship with JA India will help make a real and measurable impact that positively influences the lives of students before they enter the IT workforce."
Venkat Matoory, Executive Director, JA India said, "While JA India has been reaching several high school students and non-technical undergraduate students, working with EMC will help JA India reach engineering institutions."
"We expect to see an impact by leveraging JA India's reach among academic institutions and students in India and drawing on the volunteers and intellectual property EMC India has in product development."
