TeamLease EdTech, the Department of Higher and Technical Education (DHTE)-Government of Maharashtra, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) recently announced a groundbreaking alliance to increase the employability of Maharashtra’s youth. This association seeks to leverage the potential of work-linked learning programmes throughout Maharashtra’s universities, directly contributing to the state’s ambitious goal of creating a $1 trillion economy in the next five years until 2028, which requires a formidable annual growth rate of 17.13% CAGR.
The initiative builds on the vision of TeamLease EdTech’s innovative tech-first platform, Digivarsity, which combines academic learning with real-world employment experiences. With an established network of India’s best universities and prominent industries, the company offers innovative work-linked degree programmes that bridge the vital gap between education and employment. This strategy enables students to make informed decisions about their educational paths while receiving significant practical experience.
The effort, a revolutionary collaboration between TeamLease EdTech and NSDC, was recently approved by the Ministry of Education in a ceremony in Delhi, marking a watershed moment in the landscape of Indian education and skill development. This strategic alliance, which fosters a symbiotic relationship between academic learning and practical job experience, can potentially transform higher education and employability in Maharashtra. The work-integrated programs would also be listed on NSDC’s Skill India digital hub platform to reach a larger audience.
Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, shared his insights on this collaboration:
Our mission is to enhance graduate employability across the country by creating accessible, high-quality, and scalable learning solutions. The partnership with DHTE and NSDC is a milestone in our journey towards making higher education more relevant and purposeful. By integrating work experience with academic learning, we aim to equip the youth of Maharashtra with the skills required by today’s job market, thereby shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
The partnership is set to enhance India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio with programmes promoting Learning by Doing, Earning while Learning, and Enhanced Employer Signaling. It enables universities in Maharashtra to boost employability and prepare students for industry, ensuring they acquire theoretical knowledge, essential practical skills, and work experience. Additionally, it addresses the needs of corporates in Maharashtra for a robust talent supply chain, which is crucial for staying competitive in today’s market.
Sanjeeva Singh, Executive Vice President of Impact Finance and Partnership Management at NSDC, emphasized the collaborative efforts to enhance youth employability in Maharashtra significantly, said:
Participants of the Work-Integrated Degree Programmes will receive on-the-job internships or apprenticeships, granting them substantial skills and work experience upon graduation. Moreover, each student will receive a monthly stipend to support their education and living expenses, realizing the ‘Earn while you Learn’ concept.
The association highlights TeamLease EdTech, DHTE, and NSDC’s shared aim of empowering Maharashtrian youth and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Through this collaboration, Maharashtra is poised to become a model state in developing a skilled and employable workforce, thereby contributing to the state’s and the nation’s economic development.
