Director General Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training cum Mission Director Punjab Skill Development Mission Deepti Uppal, virtually launched the Microsoft Diversity Skilling Program on Wednesday to train 10,000 women and Persons with Disabilities in Punjab. Addressing the gathering, Ms Uppal said that this 70 hrs. program would impart training to women & PwD candidates in the age group of 16-35 years in employability, nano entrepreneurship, digital tools and communication Skills (18 hrs per module). These sessions will be conducted in 4 weeks, 6 days a week. For better understanding of candidates, the program will be delivered in Punjabi. The candidates can watch recorded sessions also and bridge the gaps in learning if any at a later stage.
Divulging further, She stated that this is the first of its kind initiative of Punjab Skill Development Mission in association with Microsoft India Pvt. Ltd. which will enhance the livelihood opportunities of underserved youth at disadvantageous position and give them exposure to technical skills and knowledge.Apprising the candidates Ms Uppal said that after the training program, they would be given chance for internship and Microsoft will facilitate them towards appropriate employment opportunities. Candidates completing all the modules and performing exceedingly well, would be integrated into other skills and employment programs run by Microsoft to strengthen their future. They will also get exposure of senior leadership talks and technology events related to digital job roles.
She informed that the candidates were mobilised through District Program Management Units of Punjab Skill Development Mission and a huge response has been received from youth of Punjab as 10,611 candidates have registered for the program.National Program Coordinator Microsoft India for CSR – Philanthropies Kishore Kumar Thangavelu mentioned that Microsoft; through its CSR projects is committed to upskill and uplift the underserved youth of nation. He informed that this program is being implemented by InfiSpark, which is Microsoft’s global training partner. He added that they have got a very encouraging response from Punjab and with active support of Punjab Skill Development Mission they will implement the project in a time bound manner.State Engagement Officer from National Skill Development Corporation Rajat Bhatnagar said that NSDC is always ready to support and coordinate for such initiatives with the state. Candidates, training partners, District Program Management Units, District Bureau of Employment Enterprises and training partners also attended the event.