To build an inclusive, skills-based economy in the state, the Department of Higher Education on Friday, in partnership with Microsoft, announced a strategic partnership to train 1.62 million students and unemployed youth in more than 300 colleges and skill development centers across the state.
This unique partnership aims to provide a holistic qualification solution that teaches the youngsters digital skills of the next generation.
The collaboration creates a holistic and scalable qualification experience that includes access to learning content in the Microsoft Learning Resource Center, Microsoft Learn, webinars for educational purposes, hands-on learning through hands-on exercises, and courses for industry certification from Microsoft and LinkedIn. Additionally, each learner will receive $ 100 free Azure credit for hands-on, hands-on learning, test preparation, and certification to become a Microsoft Certified Professional.
Microsoft Learn provides over 40 courses and certifications to students covering a wide range of emerging technologies including cloud computing, AI, data science, IoT and M365. To improve their employability, students and youth are given access to over 8,600 LinkedIn Learning courses to develop not only their technical skills, but also their business and soft skills.
“We are committed to equipping Andhra Pradesh’s youth with the skills and learning pathways needed to more easily connect them to new job opportunities,” said Anant Maheswari, President of Microsoft India.
Industry Secretary M. Goutham Reddy, who attended the virtual meeting from his warehouse in Nellore, said the state is keen to see “digital connect” become a reality in 80 lakh households across the state in three years. With a focus on remote learning, a major challenge during the COVID-19 crisis, he said efforts are being made to bring computers and laptops to 130 million people in the state.
Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh said universities should align their teaching and processes with advances in technology to prepare future graduates for work.
He said working with Microsoft will help the state develop a skilled workforce who can meet the demands of the high-demand jobs. This would also help bridge the gap between science and the demands of the industry. The Special Representative on Overseas Affairs, Harikrishna, attended the meeting.