IIT Madras has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lightstorm, a digital infrastructure provider, to launch a comprehensive employment enablement and skill development initiative across India. The collaboration targets bridging the skill gap particularly among underprivileged students and bolstering support for underserved youth, women, and job seekers hailing from tier II and III cities. The program is set to offer extensive placement aid, encompassing job readiness resources, to students pursuing degrees in arts, science, and commerce.

Top performers will also get internship placements, further enhancing their professional development and employability. "We firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are proud to partner with and support Lightstorm's initiative in providing underprivileged students with necessary tech skills, facilitating inclusive economic development", said Mangala Sunder Krishnan, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras.

The 'Employment Enablement Programme through Skill Development' offers a meticulously designed curriculum aimed at equipping students with essential subjects in high demand within today's job market. Covering topics such as networking essentials, ITIL fundamentals, ticketing tools, basics of production support, Linux and Windows fundamentals, storage and backup essentials, middleware technologies, and soft skill training, the program strives to impart practical and pertinent skill sets.

"I am thrilled to announce our partnership with IIT Madras. With its curriculum, placement assistance, and internships, this comprehensive educational programme will empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster inclusive workforce and economic growth", said Amajit Gupta, Group CEO and Managing Director, Lightstorm.