The University of Pune is planning to churn out 50,000 business process outsourcing (BPO) professionals every year through a 'distance learning' training programme it has launched in association with Cisco and the newly-formed firm Global Talent Track (GTT). The management reasons that employment opportunities through conventional streams are few and this new optional course will help students get jobs in the BPO sector. Initiated by university vice-chancellor and economist Narendra Jadhav, the programme will enrol teachers and students from 100 affiliated colleges in Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts.
Colleges participating in the programme would take care of the infrastructure and connectivity required for the programme. GTT will design and develop content, training modules and a help-desk for participants; Cisco would be responsible for interconnectivity and upgrade of connectivity required at colleges. 'The training modules have been designed so that students will have an option to select modules of their interest and liking. The ever-growing BPO sector needs employable graduates, which the current educational system is unable to provide. This programme will provide vocational education to students during their graduation years so that they immediately find a job in a BPO firm. The course is not mandatory,' said Jadhav.
