CSR: Microsoft Learning Labs for Green Skilling and Employment Readiness launched

Hosur, India: Microsoft, in association with TNS India Foundation, has launched Microsoft Learning Labs to empower youth for a sustainable tomorrow. The Microsoft Learning Lab, established by TNS India Foundation, in collaboration with Microsoft, is strategically aligned with TNSIF’s Green Skills for Youth in Vocational Education for Manufacturing Sector Program emphasizing the development of essential Green Skills for students enrolled in ITIs.

The Learning Labs – Green Skills in PMC Group of Institutions, Hosur, is a pivotal initiative focusing on providing students with practical skills relevant to the green industry. This initiative is made possible solely by the support provided by Microsoft.

Spearheaded by Microsoft, the lab plays a vital role in its broader commitment to green skilling programs. These programs aim to equip youth from low socio-economic backgrounds with essential skills, providing them with a competitive edge in the dynamic job market. This collaborative endeavor addresses the gap between traditional education and the evolving demands of the modern job market, offering a distinct pathway for marginalized individuals to acquire Green Skills and establish a competitive foothold in the market.

Key Highlights:

Lab with State of the art Infrastructure: Set up with the support of Skyy Skill Academy, the lab infrastructure would primarily align with the evolving landscape, equipping students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology for EV and Solar including photovoltaic panels, solar inverters, energy storage systems, EV components and advanced monitoring tools, thereby providing a versatile platform for students to explore, learn and innovate in the era of sustainable technology.

Curriculum: The Microsoft Learning Lab specializes in offering a comprehensive curriculum centered around green skills, approved by the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ). Courses delve into practical applications of renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar and electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

Eligibility: The program is open to final-year students of ITIs & Polytechnics with a family income of less than or equal to 2.5 lakhs per annum.

Benefits: Successful completion of the course requirements opens doors to interview opportunities, providing a direct pathway to gainful employment in the rapidly evolving field of green skills.

Impact: TNS India Foundation aims to train around 3000 students annually, with each batch accommodating 30 to 50 students. The program’s overall reach extends to approximately 6000 beneficiaries.

The ceremony, marked by the esteemed presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri C. Paneer Selvam, Assistant Director, District Skill Training, Krishnagiri District, Shri Kumar. P, Chairman PMC Group of Institutions was the first step in the journey of bringing essential green skills to the underprivileged youth and making sustainability understood at grassroots level. The event was further graced by the notable attendance of representatives from Microsoft, represented by Mr. Gunjan Patel, Director & Community Engagement Lead, Microsoft India Philanthropies, Mr. Kishore Kumar Thangavelu,Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Microsoft India Philanthropies, and Ms. Rupa Bohra, Managing Director, TNS India Foundation. Together, this gathering symbolized a collaborative commitment to empowering the youth with practical knowledge and skills in the realm of sustainable technologies.

“With the inauguration of our Microsoft Learning Lab dedicated to Green Skills, we proudly renew our commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities. This state-of-the-art facility acts as a bridge for disadvantaged youth and women, empowering them to unlock their potential in the field of green technology, charting a course towards a more promising and sustainable future.” stated Gunjan Patel, Director & Community Engagement Lead.

“The Green Skills Lab stands as a beacon of opportunity for underprivileged youth, equipping them with the vital skills to excel in the modern era of sustainable technology. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Microsoft for their collaborative efforts, which have brought this initiative to fruition,” expressed Rupa Bohra, Managing Director, TNS India Foundation.

The inauguration event, hosted at PMC Group of Institutions, Hosur, brought together on-location guests, including representatives from ITIs, Polytechnics, Industry leaders, Microsoft and TNSIF along with 100 eager students, to step forward towards a more skilled and empowered workforce

This collaborative effort underscores the organisations’ commitment to creating lasting positive impacts on society through education and skill development.