Honeywell India is working on developing centres of excellence (COE) to upskill the youth of the country. The Company’s philanthropic wing, Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF), has entered into a three-year partnership with ICT Academy to create these COE in 50 colleges across the country, to empower about 15,000 students. In the first year itself, HHSIF will spend about Rs 10 crore on the COE, which will offer certifications in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics, and nanotechnology. They will also be supported with job placements. At least 50 per cent of the students benefitting from the initiative will be women, as part of Honeywell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The programme, which includes 100 hours of classroom sessions, is aimed at fulfilling the “growing need for a future-ready workforce that is equipped with the right skill sets,” says Ashish Gaikwad, president, Honeywell India and director, HHSIF. He points out that “digital fluency is necessary to gain employment in tech-related fields” and that is where this collaboration with ICT plays a significant role.
Under the initiative, a globally-recognised certificate offered to the students will benefit students from marginalised sections of society, especially from the tier-1 and tier-2 cities across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The skilling initiative will also offer personal mentoring in specific technologies, proficiency assessments, certification, and campus placements. Honeywell leaders will also volunteer personal time to evaluate content, deliver guest lectures, and mentor students.
Anbuthambi Bhojarajan, president, ICT Academy, says, “As technologies evolve, skilling will be key to employment and economic development. Our partnership with Honeywell is a step forward to serve society and will enable needy students to get trained in technologies required in the fourth industrial revolution.”
ICT Academy is an initiative of the Government of India, which partners with state governments and industries to equip teachers and students with skills that match industry requirements and generate employment in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and rural areas.
