Digital Skills and Employability

Empowering Rural and Marginalized Youth: The Impact of the Microsoft Digisaksham Program on Digital Skills and Employability

Synopsis:
The Microsoft Digisaksham Program is a digital skills initiative aimed at upskilling rural, semi-urban, and socially disadvantaged youth in India. In partnership with the Ministry of Labor & Employment, the program seeks to bridge the digital divide and enhance employability among youth, especially women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals from small towns. The program is implemented by TMI Foundation Trust with the goal of training 1,00,000 youth in digital skills by leveraging both virtual instructor-led training (vILT) and instructor-led training (ILT).

Situation:
In the wake of the digital transformation, there was a growing need to equip the youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, with digital skills. However, these communities faced barriers in accessing such training due to factors such as economic limitations, geographic isolation, and lack of quality training resources. Additionally, many of the youth from rural areas lacked the basic digital skills needed for job readiness, hindering their ability to secure employment in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Solution:
The Microsoft Digisaksham Program, designed to address these gaps, offered a curriculum developed by Microsoft that included digital skills such as MS Excel, Python, Power BI, AI Fundamentals, and Azure. The program was implemented through both virtual and in-person training models to reach a wide audience across India. The TMI Foundation Trust played a key role in mobilizing the target communities through the National Career Service (NCS) portal and collaborating with Model Career Centers (MCCs) to organize training sessions.
The ILT model was deployed in various states, reaching 10,355 jobseekers in the first phase, and vILT training was launched with a target of 1 lakh jobseekers, further expanding its reach. These training sessions were designed to ensure the participants gained valuable certifications, improving their employability in the digital space.

Impact:
The Microsoft Digisaksham Program has made a significant and measurable impact on the target communities. By the end of FY 2024-25, 10,355 jobseekers completed their certifications under the ILT model, successfully gaining skills in critical digital areas such as MS Excel, Python, Power BI, and AI Fundamentals. The program’s reach extended across 12 states, including high-priority areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Telangana, and Rajasthan, ensuring that those in rural and semi-urban areas received the opportunity to upskill.

The vILT model also proved to be a key success, with 30,700 jobseekers already trained and certified. These efforts have contributed to creating a strong pipeline of digitally skilled professionals ready to join the workforce. Notably, the gender ratio was equally balanced, with 50% female participation in the certification process, promoting inclusivity in the digital workforce.

The program’s impact extends beyond just training, as it has facilitated increased participation of marginalized youth in the digital workspace, providing them with better income opportunities and increased financial independence. The skills gained through the program are directly aligned with current job market demands, making the participants more competitive and employable.

Additionally, the program has had a ripple effect on local communities, with several participants reporting better job prospects and the ability to contribute more effectively to their families’ incomes. The success of the program was celebrated through valedictory events that included recognition from local employers and NCS officials, further highlighting the positive transformation in participants’ lives. The program’s partnership with government agencies and local stakeholders ensured wide awareness and mobilization, amplifying its reach and overall effectiveness.

In summary, the Microsoft Digisaksham Program has not only equipped participants with essential digital skills but has also empowered them to become work-ready professionals, contributing to India’s growing digital economy.