EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) has taken a significant step toward addressing India’s tech skills gap with the launch of the NextGen Employability Program.
In collaboration with the Edunet Foundation and the Labour and Skills Department of the Government of Kerala, this pioneering initiative aims to empower the country’s youth with industry-aligned technology skills.
Targeting Unemployed Graduates
Program Scope: The NextGen Employability Program extends its reach to 4,000 students and 2,000 engineering faculty members across India. Its primary focus is on unemployed graduates from the science stream.
Technical Training: Participants undergo a rigorous three-month, 160-hour classroom-based training. The curriculum covers coding foundations and web development using MERN Technology (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js).
Building Essential Competencies by EY GDS
Critical Skills Gap: Recognizing the critical skills gap, the program aims to equip students with competencies beyond technical knowledge:
Critical Thinking: Encouraging analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
Effective Communication: Enhancing verbal and written communication skills.
Workplace Readiness: Preparing students for professional environments.
Manesh Patel, Global Operations Leader, EY GDS, said, “The NextGen Employability Program has had a transformative impact on the student community.”
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Manesh added, “Our association with Edunet Foundation and KASE reiterates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the tech industry.”
He further said, “By investing in the future workforce and fostering a positive impact on the tech industry, we are working toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic digital economy.”
“Through these efforts, EY GDS continues to demonstrate leadership in corporate responsibility and community engagement, and our impactful contribution to the sectors and societies we serve,” Manesh concluded.
“The Kerala Academy of Skills and Excellence (KASE) is pleased to collaborate with EY GDS on a program designed to equip students with industry-relevant technical skills and boost their employability prospects. It would support the youth with technical skills, and also open doors to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs,” Managing Director of KASE, Dr. Veena N. Madhavan, IAS, stated.
He added, “This collaboration enables us to provide our students with training that meets the evolving needs of the job market, supporting them to thrive in their careers.”
“We are confident this collaboration will create meaningful opportunities and make an impact in the lives of our students. We hope that the availability of strategic talent pool capable of driving transformation shall attract top tech companies to the state,” Veena stated.
Industry-Aligned Skills
Industry 4.0 Focus: The NextGen Employability Program aligns with Industry 4.0 trends. Participants gain expertise in:
Data Analytics: Understanding and analyzing data for informed decision-making.
Cloud Computing: Navigating cloud platforms and services.
Full-Stack Development: Mastering both front-end (React) and back-end (Node.js) technologies.
Nagesh Singh, CEO, Edunet Foundation, said, “Our collaboration with EY GDS and KASE reflects our commitment to transforming education and employability in India, thereby building a globally relevant workforce.”
He added, “This program is a crucial step in our mission to empower the next generation.”
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Impact and Reach of EY GDS New Programme
Positive Outcomes: Since its inception in January 2023, the program has made a substantial impact. Over 5,500 students and 3,000 faculty members across 40+ colleges in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have benefited.
Placement assistance ensures that qualified participants transition seamlessly into meaningful economic opportunities.
Tier II and Tier III Cities: The initiative specifically targets students from financially marginalized backgrounds in fast-growing Tier II and Tier III cities.
Specialized Instruction: Each batch of 50-60 students receives specialized instruction and project-based learning.
Training Infrastructure: The Kerala Academy for Skills and Excellence (KASE) provides essential training infrastructure.
Mentoring and Coaching: EY GDS employee volunteers actively contribute by mentoring, coaching, and sharing critical industry experience.
Preparing for the Tech Sector: Their guidance ensures that students are well-prepared for the dynamic technology sector.
Conclusion
The NextGen Employability Program exemplifies EY GDS’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech professionals.
By bridging the skills gap, fostering inclusion, and empowering Kerala’s youth, this initiative contributes significantly to India’s digital economy.
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