27, May 2024
Women Role Models in STEM Shine at myAvtar Career Conference, 2024
Bengaluru, May, 2024: Avtar Group, India’s leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firm, hosted the myAvtar Career Conference (MACC) at Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO), Bengaluru today.
myAvtar Career Conference (MACC), the career extravaganza brought together inclusive companies and a vast pool of women talent from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) under one roof. Participating Companies included, Aditya Birla Group, Publicis Sapient, Broadridge Financial Solutions India Limited, Moody’s, Renault Nisan Tech, IBM India, Google Cloud, HDFC ERGO, ACT, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Gallagher, Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, Stryker, Verisk, AKJ Somaiya Institute Of Management, among many others.
Tailored for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), MACC offered a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and converse with like-minded professionals, industry-leading companies, and renowned experts in the industry. The conclave was an ecosystem designed to foster learning, sharing, and networking for women in the STEM field; an opportunity to explore new horizons in the STEM field, to grow personally and professionally, and to unlock a world of possibilities. The conference witnessed a large gathering of students, educators, professionals, and industry leaders who shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights.
Avtar Group also announced the winners of their inaugural “Women in STEM” Awards. This Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women who are making significant strides in the STEM fields. In STEM Icons 15 plus years of work experience category, Vaijayanthi Srinivasa Raghavan Senior Director, UPS India Technology Centre, Priya Kanduri, CTO, SVP – Cyber Security Services, HappiestMinds Technologies Limited, Deepti Singh, Deputy General Manager- Head of Department System Installation, Renault Nissan Tech have received top 3 awards. In STEM Divas 8-15 years of work experience category, Subbulakshmi Ramkumar, Deputy Manager, RNTBCI, Yogita Bhanwaria, Senior Manager, Biocon Biologics Limited, MuthuSusithra Devarajan, Team Manager, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards. In STEM Stars 2-8 years of work experience category, Nishtha Mahendru, Consultant, Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini, Nidhi Raut, Sr. Engineer, Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Indujaa Thangavel, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards.
“One of the key sectors that has the potential to boost women’s workforce participation, is the STEM industry. While 43%of STEM graduates are women, they make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Moreover, women drop out of the workplace due to childbirth, childcare and elder care. Consequently, only 3 percent of women hold CEO posts in the STEM Industry. While research has established that improving women’s workforce participation can boost India’s GDP by 27%, more women in STEM would set the stage for inclusive innovation and solution designs that are equitable for all. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, yet they bring invaluable perspectives and ideas to these fields. MACC awards recognizes the exceptional talent, the brilliance, and diverse perspectives of women in STEM,” said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group announcing the awards at the myAvtar Career Conference today in Bengaluru.
“Through MACC, we are acknowledging the remarkable work being done by women in STEM and also addressing the systemic barriers they face. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and drive progress,” added Dr Saundarya.
At the conference, three organizations with the “Best Programs for enabling women in STEM” – Biocon Biologics Pvt Ltd, Kyndryl and Molecular Connections Pvt Ltd were also recognized.
In addition to the awards, the myAvtar Career Conferences hosted a series of panel discussions, skilling tracks conducted by IBM, Google Cloud, Johnson & Johnson and Publicis Sapient exclusively for women. The event also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, collaboration, further strengthening the presence and influence of women in the STEM field.
The conference hosted in the hybrid mode –saw an attendance of over 3000 women at the on-ground event, while there were over 2000 attendees virtually. Companies opened up jobs from entry-level to senior-level positions across India – Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Madurai and Coimbatore.
23, Dec 2023
IIIT Bangalore Introduces M.Tech Program with Dual Certification in Computer Science and Engineering
Bangalore, December 23, 2023: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) announces the launch of its Executive M.Tech program in Computer Science and Engineering, commencing in February 2024.
Speaking with the media regarding the launch, Prof. V N Muralidhara, Associate Professor at IIIT-Bangalore, commented, “The Executive MTech program allow professionals working in Bangalore to attend classes on Friday and Saturday, to complete the program in two and half years. The unique certification program allows the students to obtain two Professional Certifications during the program. Working professionals in Bangalore, who are keen on pursuing M.Tech programs are encouraged to apply. The goal of post graduate programmes at IIIT-B is to develop professionals of high quality to cater to the needs of industry and academia. Such education will be based on a broad grasp of the fundamental principles of the sciences and scientific methods, a deep understanding of specific area of specialization, an ability to solve new problems, and a capacity to learn continually and interact with multidisciplinary groups.”
This unique program offers an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to enhance their expertise in the dynamic field of Computer Science and Engineering, all while balancing the demands of their current roles. With classes conducted on-site at the institute, participants can expect a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with advanced knowledge and skills.
Prof. Debabrata, Director of IIIT Bangalore, stated, “At IIIT-B, we are committed to providing cutting-edge education that aligns with industry requirements. The M.Tech program facilitates a seamless integration of academic and professional commitments and ensures that our students graduate with a degree that holds the same prestige as our traditional M.Tech program.”
The program offers a diverse range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests. The curriculum incorporates key areas such as Algorithms, Enterprise Software Design, Machine Learning, Mathematics for Machine Learning, Networking and Communications, and Concrete Mathematics. Additionally, students have the option to specialize in areas such as Theory and Systems for Computing and Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Networking and Communication, VLSI Systems, Digital Society, and Cyber Security.
A distinctive feature of the Executive M.Tech program is the integration of two Professional Certificate Programs (PCP) into the curriculum. Students can pursue certifications in specialized areas, including courses designed to provide practical, real-world skills. Prof. Debabrata highlighted the importance of these certifications, stating, “We believe in empowering our students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise. The dual certification approach ensures that our graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to excel in their careers.”
The program structure allows participants to complete the M.Tech requirements within two and a half to three years, with a maximum timeframe of four years. This flexibility accommodates the diverse needs of working professionals, allowing them to progress at their own pace while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.
12, Dec 2023
Engineering, Electronics, and E-commerce reports an increase in Net Apprenticeship Outlook Report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship
● Key Industries, Cities, and Categories Illuminate a Promising Landscape for Apprenticeships in India
● Engineering and Industrial Sector Dominates with 96% E-commerce and Tech Products Show Strong Performance at 90% in NAO
Mumbai, December 12 2023: In a landmark revelation, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship unveils the 2023 Apprenticeship Outlook Report, showcasing an unprecedented 75% surge in apprenticeship opportunities across India which exhibits a noteworthy 9% growth over the quarter of Jan-Mar 2023. The Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) metric, a key indicator of employer sentiment, has reached an all-time high, signaling a remarkable 75% increase in employer intent for apprenticeship engagement during the upcoming October-March 2023-24 half-year.
The Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) has increased significantly Year-Over-Year (YOY), from 41% in Jan-Jun 2021 to 56% in Jan-Jun 2022 and 66% in Jan-Mar 2023 to an astounding 75% for the Oct-Mar 2023–24 period. This Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 30% showcases how organizations view apprenticeships as a pivotal talent development strategy, driving skill enhancement, workforce development, and talent pipeline creation.
The HY1 Apr-Sep’23 and HY2 Oct’23 to Mar’24 Apprenticeship Outlook Report reveals a compelling landscape, highlighting Engineering & Industrial (96%), Electrical & Electronics (94%), Telecom (93%), and Ecom & Tech products (90%) as the leading sectors with the highest Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO). Notably, these industries, along with five others, witnessed a significant increase in NAO during the Oct-Mar 2023-24 half-year compared to the preceding quarter. This trend indicates robust growth prospects for apprenticeships, affirming their pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future.
The Apprenticeship Outlook Report brings to light a pivotal insight—41% of employers believe that degree apprenticeships stand as a formidable strategy to effectively address the skill gap through seamless industry-academia collaboration. This recognition underscores the transformative role of apprenticeships in shaping a future-ready workforce, emphasizing a strategic commitment to talent development, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a robust talent pipeline. As the report illuminates, this insight marks a significant leap toward fostering a skilled and promising future for India’s workforce.
This extraordinary surge underscores the robust growth anticipated in India’s apprenticeship landscape, with key cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad leading the charge. The report unveils a transformative phase for India’s workforce, promising unparalleled opportunities for skill development and career growth.
Employer satisfaction and reasons for apprentice engagement
An encouraging 70% of employers engaged apprentices during April-September HY1, 2023, with 63% expressing satisfaction with apprentice performance. Employers cited ‘addressing skill shortages,’ ‘cost-effective talent development,’ and ‘strengthening community engagement and CSR efforts’ as major reasons for engaging apprentices.
Gender preferences and workforce expansion anticipation
While 45% of employers have no gender preferences, others showcase a preference for female candidates, especially in Services sectors like BFSI (21%), Retail (18%), and in Manufacturing sector are Engineering & Industrial (20%), Automobile & Ancillaries (17%) and Electrical & Electronics (13%). Additionally, 47% of employers anticipate a workforce increase of up to 10% during HY2: Oct – Mar, 2023-24 , signifying a positive trajectory for apprentice engagement.
City-wise Trends: Bangalore leads with a 17% increase in NAO
Among the metro cities, five out of six exhibit an increase in NAO for the Oct-Mar 2023-24 half-year, Bangalore leading with an impressive 85%, followed by Delhi at 82% and Hyderabad at 80%.The top three industries engaging apprentices in Bangalore are Engineering & Industrial (89%), BFSI (86%), and Retail (82%).
Employer strategies and structured training programs
Structured training programs (53%) and regular mentoring and coaching (41%) emerge as the preferred strategies for engaging apprentices, reflecting a commitment to their development. A significant 78% of employers report that over half of their apprentices successfully complete their training.
Top reasons for employers foreseeing an increase in apprenticeship hiring include real-time skill availability (35%) and business growth (21%). These statistics underscore the vital role apprentices play in contributing to tangible business outcomes.
Apprenticeship categories in demand
Optional Trade (82%), Designated Trade (80%), and Diploma Apprenticeship (77%) top the list of sought-after apprenticeship categories. Fitter/Mechanical Assembly (31%), Production Engineer (26%), and Computer Networking Technician (19%) are the most in-demand career opportunities in Optional/Designated Trade, while Machinist (22%), Production Apprentice (16%), and Mechanic (12%) are the top three roles in Trade Apprenticeships. In a Diploma Apprenticeship, the roles are Technical Service Engineer (25%), Machine Operator (18%), and Data Analyst (15%). In Graduate Apprenticeships, positions such as Electrical and Electronics Engineer (25%), Mechanical Engineer (17%), and Automobile Engineer (14%), are highly sought after.
Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, remarked, “It’s encouraging to note that the percentage of businesses eager to boost their apprentice involvement in the quarter has improved as India Inc. continues to recognize the value of apprenticeships in building a robust talent pool. Over the last three years, the net apprenticeship outlook has gone up from 41% in 2021 (Jan – June 2021) to 75% (Oct 23 – March 24) which is an all-time high. The primary reasons driving the growth are real-time skill availability, cost-effectiveness, and driving community engagement under CSR. Also, initiatives from Govt. like PLI and Make in India are driving the employment opportunities for which employers are relying on apprenticeships to build a talent pipeline. 63% of employers have reported satisfactory performances of the apprentices, which is encouraging for employers to scale up the intake. Employers are beginning to realize that apprenticeships linked to a degree are much more effective and impactful in attracting the youth for apprenticeships and also longer engagements. Anticipating a promising trajectory for apprenticeship engagement in India throughout fiscal 2023, degree apprenticeship is emerging as the modern Nayi Talim, which can yield socio-economic growth for the country. Apprenticeships or work-based programs can help balance the GER with the employability factor to lead India on the path to becoming the skill capital of the world. Evidently, the impetus from the PLI and NEP and the rise of academia-industry collaboration to expand degree apprenticeships are major contributors to the ecosystem. Additionally, gender neutrality in apprentice engagement is evident amongst employers across industries. Manufacturing exhibits a greater level of gender neutrality, especially in Engineering & Industrial (20%), Automobile & Automobiles (17%), and Electrical & Electronics (13%).”
Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized, “Apprenticeships emerge as the key to unlocking greater opportunities for female candidates in the evolving retail sector of India.” In the retail industry, the percentage of women working is 25–30%, while it is 60–75% in the US and the UK. It is evident that a considerable increase in the women’s labor participation rate is facilitated by apprenticeships. HR leaders highlight that apprenticeships will not only influence the talent pool in technology, services, and retail in the future but will also serve as a beacon for closing the gender gap. The total number of apprentices employed over the last five years has increased by 30%, and growth in the retail, BFSI, and logistics industries is predicted to reach 67% during the next 3 years”



