IGNOU- world's largest Open University and NIIT- leading Global Talent Development Corporation and Asia's largest IT trainer, today launched industry-linked Partnership Programs for enhancing employability of the youth. The Partnership Programs were unveiled by Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU and Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman, NIIT. Also present on the occasion were Shashi Bhushan, Reader, SOCIS, IGNOU; Dr Neeta Kapai, Head, Campus Placement Cell, IGNOU and Mr. G. Raghavan, President-Global Individual Learning Business, NIIT.
Under this significant partnership IGNOU and NIIT will offer cutting edge Executive MBA Program and BSc (IT) for International Markets. Also on offer are a bouquet of Finishing School Programs in BPO training, IT skills and professional skills, designed to make students job ready for the emerging knowledge economy. The Executive Management Program from IGNOU and NIIT is specially designed and customized for working professionals to equip them with contemporary business management skills and prepare them for career advancement opportunities.
Speaking on the launch of the Partnership Program Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU, remarked, 'I am pleased to launch the executive MBA Program for working professionals in India and BSc (IT) for International markets, in partnership with NIIT. This is in continuation to IGNOU- NIIT collaboration, wherein we had recently announced Finishing School Programs for enhancing employability.'
According to Employment Trends Survey 2010 by Ma Foi, the organized sector in India is set to create close to a million new jobs in the year 2010 -2011. Demand for job-ready, employable talent will come from varied sectors such as BFSI; IT & ITeS; Education, Training & Consultancy; Healthcare; Hospitality & Travel; Real Estate & Construction. In IT & ITeS sector alone, as per the latest industry figures announced by NASSCOM, an additional 1,50,000 jobs are expected to be created in FY 10-11. Soft skills have become imperative today, to enhance competitive edge in these fields. The Finishing school programs will assist students in developing necessary skill sets to avail this opportunity.
Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman, NIIT said, 'The executive MBA program will set a new precedent in providing inclusive management education for working professionals.' Students' opting for IGNOU-NIIT programs will get placement support from NIIT. IGNOU will approve admission, design curriculum, consolidate results and award degrees, while NIIT will design and develop the programs in consultation with IGNOU, market the programs and carry out the education delivery as well. The programs will be delivered at NIIT premises through qualified instructors. IGNOU and NIIT entered into Global Partnership in Education earlier this year to collaborate in various domains like Information Technology, Management, both for its India and outside India operations.