Kerala Government Launches Program to Upskill 30 Lakh Individuals and Generate 20 Lakh Jobs by 2026
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Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM), an initiative by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), has teamed up with Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, to equip the youth throughout the state with industry-relevant skills.
This collaboration aims to train 30 lakh individuals and generate 20 lakh jobs by 2026.
The initiative focuses not only on employment but also on establishing a strong talent pipeline that aligns education with industry demands, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remarked: "This upskilling initiative will open job opportunities for the youth, and the efforts made by KKEM deserve recognition."
Participants will have access to 40 virtual academies that specialize in crucial areas such as AI/ML, cloud computing, cyber security, creative design, logistics and supply chain, and digital marketing.
State Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal emphasized that Kerala has always valued education and skill development as the foundation of its progress.
"This partnership with Coursera is a significant step towards ensuring our youth and workforce are well-prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing job market. By synchronizing education with industry requirements, we are not only nurturing local innovation but also establishing Kerala as a center for global talent and opportunities," stated Balagopal.
Tim Hannan, Chief Marketing Officer at Coursera, noted that Kerala is setting a commendable example of how collaboration among governments, educators, and industries can cultivate a skilled workforce and unlock new avenues for growth.
"Together, we aim to make learning accessible to everyone, empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and developing talent that shines both locally and internationally," added Hannan.
Former two-time state Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, currently the Chief Advisor of KKEM, mentioned that this partnership with Coursera reflects KKEM's vision of crafting a future-ready Kerala.
"By providing learners with globally recognized credentials and role-specific training, we are not just fulfilling the state’s employment objectives, but also equipping individuals with the necessary skills for a technology-driven economy," remarked Isaac.
Coursera was founded in 2012 by two professors from Stanford's Computer Science department, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with the goal of providing universal access to top-tier learning.
