EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) announced the launch of the NextGen Employability Program. This pioneering initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Edunet Foundation and Labour and Skills Department, Government of Kerala, through the State Skill Development Mission – Kerala Academy for Skills and Excellence (KASE). The launch of the initiative will extend the program's reach to 4,000 students and 2,000 engineering faculty members across India, furthering the mission of EY GDS to bridge the skills gap in India's tech workforce.

The program in Kerala primarily targets unemployed graduates from the science stream. It includes a rigorous three-month, 160-hour classroom-based training in coding foundations and web development with MERN Technology, designed to enhance the technical aptitude and placement potential of the students.

The NextGen Employability Program is especially curated to address the critical skills gap and to provide industry-aligned technology skills to students. It aims to build competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and workplace readiness, alongside Industry 4.0 skills including data analytics, cloud computing, and full-stack development.

Manesh Patel, Global Operations Leader, EY GDS, said, "The NextGen Employability Program has had a transformative impact among the student community. Our association with Edunet Foundation and KASE reiterates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the tech industry. By investing in the future workforce and fostering a positive impact on the tech industry, we are working toward creating a more inclusive and a dynamic digital economy. Through these efforts, EY GDS continues to demonstrate leadership in corporate responsibility and community engagement, and our impactful contribution to the sectors and societies we serve."

"The Kerala Academy of Skills and Excellence (KASE) is pleased to collaborate with EY GDS on a program designed to equip students with industry-relevant technical skills and boost their employability prospects. It would support the youth with technical skills, and also open doors to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs,” Managing Director of KASE, Dr. Veena N. Madhavan, IAS, stated. “This collaboration enables us to provide our students with training that meets the evolving needs of the job market, supporting them to thrive in their careers. We are confident this collaboration will create meaningful opportunities and make an impact in the lives of our students. We hope that the availability of strategic talent pool capable of driving transformation shall attract top tech companies to the state.”

Nagesh Singh, CEO, Edunet Foundation, said, "Our collaboration with EY GDS and KASE reflects our commitment to transforming education and employability in India, thereby building a globally relevant workforce. This program is a crucial step in our mission to empower the next generation."

Since its inception in January 2023, the NextGen Employability Program has made a substantial impact, benefiting over 5,500 students and 3,000 faculty members across 40+ colleges in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This initiative specifically targets students who are financially marginalized, aged 18-24, pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering and non-engineering courses from the fast-growing Tier II and Tier III cities.

Each batch includes 50-60 students across multiple centres in Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and other locations, who will receive specialized instruction and project-based learning, with KASE providing essential training infrastructure. This initiative also includes placement assistance for qualified participants, helping to enable a broad approach to enhancing employability among Kerala’s youth. Employee volunteers from EY GDS will contribute through mentoring, coaching, and sharing critical industry experience to prepare the students for meaningful economic opportunities in the technology sector.
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About Edunet Foundation (EF): Edunet Foundation (EF), founded in 2015, focuses on youth skilling, innovation, and entrepreneurship. EF helps young people across India prepare for Industry 4.0 jobs through digital skilling programs. With a national presence, it collaborates with regulators, technical universities, engineering colleges, and high schools. EF aims to skill and impact over five million future workers by 2030. EF holds "Special Consultative Status" with the UN Economic and Social Council, providing access to UN events and headquarters. It has also been awarded the "Transparency Key" by GuideStar India.

About Kerala Academy of Skills and Excellence: Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) is the State Skill Development Mission under the Government of Kerala's Department of Labour and Skills. Established as a non-profit organization, KASE serves as the nodal agency for coordinating and facilitating skill development initiatives across the state. Its primary goal is to enhance the employability of Kerala's youth by aligning their skills with global industry standards, fostering partnerships with industries, and ensuring placement linkages. KASE's unique skilling models and programs, tailored to the state's demographic needs, distinguish it from other skill development efforts across India.

For more information, please contact:
EY Global Delivery Services: Azmat Khan | azmat.khan.pathan@gds.ey.com
20:20 MSL: Aparna Jadhav | aparna.jadhav@2020msl.com
Vanshika Bothra | vanshika.bothra@2020msl.com