NSDC, AWS to skill 1.5 lakh in AI, cloud; focus on Tier-II cities

NSDC, Cultus Education, and AWS launch a nationwide cloud and AI skilling initiative targeting 1,50,000 learners. The program focuses on youth in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, with 10,000 candidates receiving intensive workforce training.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education have launched a nationwide cloud and artificial intelligence skilling initiative with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS). According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the program targets learners across all states and union territories, with a focus on youth in Tier-II and Tier-III cities as well as underserved communities.

Under the initiative, 1,50,000 learners will receive foundational AI and cloud literacy through AWS digital training modules. Additionally, 10,000 candidates will undergo intensive workforce training through the AWS re/Start program, an entry-level cohort model that connects learners with employment opportunities at local organisations.

A Step Towards 'Viksit Bharat'

Speaking at the launch, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, highlighted the demographic focus of the initiative. "This initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, where access to opportunity is not determined by geography or background," Chaudhary said.

"As India moves towards becoming a global hub for innovation, technology and talent, it is essential that our youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns also get the opportunity to equipped themselves with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. Such initiatives will play an important role in building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready workforce, which is central to our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047," he added.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Delivered entirely online through Cultus, the initiative seeks to overcome barriers faced by non-metro talent, including limited local infrastructure, absence of industry credentials, and lack of direct employer networks.

Rani Burchmore, APJC Lead for AWS Skilling & Social Impact, noted that the collaboration focuses on talent pipeline creation. "AWS re/Start brings 'net-new' talent into the workforce, establishing a win-win-win scenario for individuals to launch successful careers in cloud, organisations to increase their competitive edge with in-demand talent, and communities to thrive and grow," Burchmore said.

"We are proud to work with NSDC and Cultus Education to build the diverse, robust cloud workforce of the future, enabling organisations to accelerate their innovation with the AWS Cloud," she stated.

Program Structure and Certification

The training framework allows registered participants to complete self-paced foundational courses before qualifying for instructor-led cohorts covering programming, networking, security, and databases. Participants will complete coursework, hands-on labs, and certification exams to validate their skill sets.

From Skilling to Employment

Nalin Singh, Group Managing Director of Cultus Education, emphasised the focus on career outcomes. "The true measure of skilling is whether learning translates into confidence, credentials and meaningful career opportunities," Singh said. "Our focus is to make globally relevant cloud and AI skills accessible beyond major metros, creating an outcome-led journey from learning and training to certification and employer connections," he added.

The program will conclude with a National Hackathon where participants present project solutions to prospective employers and industry executives.

NSDC Chief Operating Officer Prashant Sinha attended the official launch event. (ANI)

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