How is Nasscom Foundation and 9 Tech SMEs Tackling the Skill Gap for Marginalised Youth?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Nasscom Foundation collaborates with nine tech SMEs to address the skills gap among marginalised youth.
- 150 youth will be trained in high-demand skills like data analytics and Java full stack.
- Participants will receive soft skills training and career readiness support.
- Placement opportunities will be available for selected students.
- The initiative emphasizes diversity, with a target of 60% women beneficiaries.
New Delhi, July 1 (NationPress) The Nasscom Foundation, in partnership with nine tech SMEs, officially unveiled a project aimed at bridging the skills and employability divide faced by marginalised youth across the nation.
As per the Global Skills Gap report, a staggering 92 percent of employees in India acknowledge the existence of a significant skills gap in the workforce.
This initiative focuses on equipping 150 marginalised youth in regions like Delhi-NCR, Trivandrum, and Pune with essential skills.
Participants will receive training in high-demand fields such as data analytics and Java full stack development, along with support for soft skills and career readiness.
The Foundation also mentioned that selected and certified students will have access to placement opportunities in relevant industries.
“By uniting nine innovative tech SMEs in this initiative, we are not only arming young minds with skills for the future but also enabling businesses to pursue inclusive and responsible growth. This collaboration is set to create a scalable model that transforms lives, promotes equity, and positions technology as a catalyst for sustainable advancement,” stated Jyoti Sharma, CEO of the Nasscom Foundation.
Despite their pivotal role in propelling India’s innovation economy, numerous SMEs encounter obstacles when it comes to executing effective CSR activities—ranging from budget limitations and regulatory complexities to a lack of awareness regarding CSR frameworks.
To address these challenges, the Nasscom Foundation initiated this collaborative CSR effort in conjunction with the Nasscom SME Council.
This strategy not only alleviates the operational challenges for individual SMEs but also significantly enhances collective impact.
Moreover, it nurtures a robust sense of community, shared vision, and mutual accountability among SMEs, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to social development while advancing responsibly.
The program will be implemented using a hybrid approach (80 percent in-person and 20 percent virtual) through SME training partners, prioritizing diversity and inclusion. The initiative aims for a strong focus on gender equity, aspiring to reach 60 percent women beneficiaries, as stated by the Foundation.