One problem that plagues urban youth, especially from the poorer strata, is that even after completing education up to higher secondary, they lack the necessary skills that make them employable in sunshine industries like Business Process Outsourcing, Hospitality, Retail, Telecom, Banking and Finance, among others.
Arvind’s Skill Development programme is a natural extension of its Gyanda initiative. It has two essential components.
English is the language of business, and students from the vernacular medium find themselves at a disadvantage.
This programme focuses on giving the participants knowledge of the language and confidence to use it. Emphasis is laid on grammar, sentence formation, written communication, group discussions and public speaking.
Comprehension and speaking skills are developed through project assignments and presentations. The classes are interactive and they present several opportunities to participants to practice what they learn. Field visits are organised to Call Centres and modern workplaces to orient them about the work culture.
In today’s world, if a person is unable to work with computers, he/she becomes unemployable in the organised sector. Underprivileged students often find themselves in this predicament.
This programme seeks to familiarise participants with the use of computers. Through lectures and demonstrations, we train participants in the use of the keyboard, Microsoft office packages and other applications and languages.
We focus on giving participants real life problems and industrial situations. They are required to use computer skills in solving these problems, thereby getting an insight into practical applications. Field visits are organised to give them an orientation into today’s work environment.
We have established strong linkages with industry, which helps in placement of youth trained under the programme. So far, about 250 youngsters have been trained and placed, a majority of them with good jobs. More than half the participants have achieved over 200% growth in their salaries over the last four years.
