TLDA statement
Delhi, October 15. On World Students’ Day, spokespersons of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship (TLDA), a subsidiary of TeamLease Ltd, India’s largest blue collar employees staffing company, issued a clarion call for “bridging the gap between education and employability”.
“Education’s purpose extends beyond imparting knowledge — it is about shaping individuals with the skills, expertise, and values to lead the nation forward. Today, industry faces a trifecta of challenges — talent shortage, rapid technological advancement, and a significant gap in workforce readiness. The Economic Survey of India 2024 highlights that only 2.2 percent of people aged 15-59 in India have received formal vocational training, with 8.6 percent having received non-formal vocational training. Holistic learning, which integrates academic knowledge with real-world experience, is essential. Apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programs are instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical education and industry needs,” said A.R. Ramesh, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship in a statement issued on World Students’ Day.
New upGrad program
Mumbai, October 17. The Mumbai-based upGrad Education Pvt. Ltd, which bills itself as “one of Asia’s largest integrated learning, skilling and workforce development majors”, announced its Intern-Zip Program, an initiative to train 1 lakh learners in the current fiscal under Prime Minister Modi’s Internship Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2024-25.
The company has designed a specialised course with nine comprehensive modules and virtual classrooms targeted towards individuals aged 20-24, from non-tax-paying family backgrounds, at no charge for the first 100,000 learners. For corporates and subsequent learners, the price tag of this fully online programme is Rs.20,000.
“Skilling is no longer a product, but a necessity that must be scaled beyond traditional income slabs to empower individuals from all walks. The Hon. PM’s internship programme is bold and absolutely well-timed. With this initiative, we’re empowering a whole new community of aspiring individuals to be adequately trained and placed in leading organisations/GCCs/partner companies, leaving a stronger economic mark,” said Ronnie Screwvala, co-founder and chairperson of upGrad Education.
Glentree Earth Lab
Bengaluru, September 18. The CBSE-affiliated Glentree Academy inaugurated its third campus spanning three acres in Hommadevanahalli, a suburb of the city. A standout feature of the new school is Earth Lab, where students engage with nature through hands-on experiences in agriculture and gardening.
“Our Earth Lab is a one-of-a-kind initiative that Glentree Academy has introduced where students learn the full cycle of working with nature from planting saplings to composting from organic substances. This unique approach towards education through our philosophy of the LFL (Learning for Life) Curriculum enables holistic development of students,” said Rachana Heda, COO at Glentree Academy.
Plaksha-KEF initiative
Mohali, October 16. The Center for Thinking, Language and Communication (CTLC) of Plaksha University, Mohali signed an MoU with Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) to train 225 meritorious girl students under the Kotak Kanya Scholarship Program and equip them with essential life and career skills.
“At KEF, we believe that meritorious young women require holistic development for empowerment. By focusing on developing the communication, language and critical thinking skills of selected girl students, we are preparing Kotak Kanya scholars to become confident, capable leaders who will thrive in an ever-evolving world,” said Dr. Ganesh Raja, CEO, Kotak Education Foundation, speaking on the occasion.
Added Dr. Brainerd Prince, Director of Plaksha University’s CTLC: “This collaboration with KEF represents a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in STEM professions in India. We pride ourselves for offering personalised training to each student to nurture a community of innovative leaders and problem solvers, driving a more inclusive and forward-thinking future. CTLC is dedicated to empowering nexgen leaders.”
NIIT-UINDY partnership
New Delhi, October 17. The Neemrana (Rajasthan)-based NIIT University (NU, estb.2009) signed a strategic collaboration with the University of Indianapolis (UINDY), USA. The objective of the agreement is to provide global educational and research opportunities for NIIT students and faculty.
“This collaboration agreement marks a significant milestone in NU’s quest to provide students a global perspective, empowering them to excel in today’s interconnected world. As we prepare for our 14th Convocation on October 19, we not only celebrate the achievements of our graduates but also the new opportunities this partnership will create to enrich their education experience and future career paths,” said Prof. Prakash Gopalan, President, NIIT University, speaking on the occasion.
Added Prof. Tanuja Singh, President of UINDY: “We are thrilled to partner with NIIT University to create opportunities for this futuristic university’s students to engage in cross-border educational and research initiatives, fostering innovation and leadership to shape a brighter future.”