The ‘English Skills for Youth’ program is especially important considering the current employment scenario in India
The ‘English Skills for Youth’ program will be integrated into rural engineering colleges that are already associated with Microsoft’s existing skilling projects.
The British Council and Microsoft India have come together for a significant partnership to increase employment opportunities for 400,000 young Indians. The British Council is the UK’s international organization promoting educational opportunities and cultural exchange. The initiative, known as the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, will run over three years and target youth between the ages of 18 and 25 in more than 17 states across India.
Recognizing the importance of English language proficiency in the job market, Microsoft and the British Council have collaborated to develop a curriculum that equips students with essential language skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, soft skills and leadership abilities. Focuses on equipping with other important features. , By offering a holistic development plan, the program aims to improve the employability prospects of the participants and provide them with opportunities for further education.
The program will be integrated into rural engineering colleges that are already associated with Microsoft’s existing skilling projects. Through this innovative approach, the initiative is expected to benefit 60,000 youth and 600 teachers during the initial three-year pilot phase. The curriculum will focus on building English communication skills and soft skills that will enable students to confidently present themselves in job interviews and thrive in companies with a global client base.
The ‘English Skills for Youth’ program is especially important considering the current employment scenario in India. With nearly one million people entering the workforce every month, it is worrying that only 10-20% of women of working age are employed. To address this gender disparity, the program has set a deliberate target of enrolling 75 per cent female learners.
Alison Barrett, India Director at the British Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stressing the importance of providing life and employment opportunities to young people, especially women. He highlighted that the partnership between the British Council and Microsoft India brings together expertise in developing a range of critical skills that will enhance the employability of young individuals aged 18-25.
The ‘English Skills for Youth’ project consists of three key aspects. Firstly, it aims to build the capacity of English faculty and placement officers in state engineering colleges across India. Secondly, it seeks to develop English language skills among students, especially females, through a hands-on approach facilitated by student club meetings. Finally, the initiative will establish an interface with industry through joint thought leadership forums organized by Microsoft and the British Council with a focus on the importance of multilingualism in the workplace.