Hyderabad, July 18, 2024: To address the digital skills gap and employability challenges in India, express transportation company FedEx Express has teamed-up with Magic Bus India Foundation to upskill nearly 400 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, with a priority on enrolling female graduates from underserved communities in Hyderabad.
This initiative supports the Indian government's strategic emphasis on nurturing a thriving pool of tech talent.
An intensive 75-day curriculum has been created to upskill these youth in leading-edge Cloud Computing and allied technologies, along with transferable life and employability skills. Cloud Computing is a leading technology trend rapidly being adopted across businesses, making it an in-demand skill.
The curriculum will be delivered through in-person sessions conducted by expert technical and life skills trainers, facilitating a collaborative learning experience through group activities and teamwork. The digital skilling program includes periodic employer engagement sessions with industry and sector experts, providing youth with practical insights into various entry-level IT/ITeS jobs. The program offers mentorship to help youth strengthen their professional profiles, and interview preparation skills. The course culminates with an industry-relevant project and an opportunity to earn a global certification to showcase the participants acquired skills and knowledge. Upon course completion, participants receive placement assistance for entry-level jobs in IT/ITeS sector and post-placement support to ensure long-term job satisfaction and performance in the workplace.
“At FedEx, we recognize the immense potential of India's youth and their crucial role in shaping the future,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President Marketing and Air Network, Middle East Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx.
“Developing a rich pool of skilled professionals is essential for driving innovation and growth. Our support not only prepares the youth for immediate job opportunities but also instills the adaptability and knowledge required to thrive in today’s competitive professional landscape. This initiative reinforces our belief that by nurturing youth skills, we are creating the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, ensuring sustained progress and growth," he said.
Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “We are committed to implementing our shared vision with FedEx to empower youth from underserved communities through our digital skilling program, preparing them for the thriving IT/ITeS sector. This collaboration marks a significant step in developing a future-ready workforce, ensuring that these young individuals are prepared for the evolving job market. By equipping them with life and employability skills, we aim to empower them on their journey towards economic empowerment.”
Magic Bus India Foundation is one of the leading NGOs in the education and skilling space in India. Over 25 years, the organisation has established its presence across 23 states and UTs of India. Magic Bus works with young people from underserved communities between the age group of 12 to 25 years, providing them with life skills and employability skills. The NGO offers two distinct life skills programmes – the Adolescent programme and Livelihood Programme.
The Adolescent Programme is designed to empower adolescents (12-18yrs) with life skills and education enhancement, ensuring they complete their secondary education. The Livelihood Programme equips youths (18-25 years) with transferable skills that enhance their employability and enable them to enter the sustainable workforce.
