As we bid farewell to April and turn over a new leaf on the calendar, it is a fitting moment to ponder upon the strides we have taken and the opportunities that await us. At the ICT Academy of Kerala (ICTAK), we are excited to embark on a new chapter with a fresh page in our ledgers and a renewal in its many initiatives and events. From its innovative training programs to a bustling summer internship, ICTAK is a veritable hive of energy and inspiration, buzzing with the passion of its members and collective talent. Come and journey with us as we delve deeper into the captivating occurrences of the past month.
Electrifying opportunities
ICTAK joined hands with MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, to introduce new trends in AI and equip students with current advancements in technology on a one-day seminar titled ‘Electrification and Robotic Systems: Trends and Opportunities’ held on 4th April 2023. The experts from MathWorks, Tata Elxsi, College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram, and the Directorate of Technical Education, Kerala, spoke at the event held at Hycinth Hotel, T’puram. Around 100 people from MNCs, SMEs, startups, and academia attended the daylong event.
As part of the seminar ICTAK in partnership with MathWorks, launched a free online training initiative to provide students with the necessary skills to meet the growing industrial demand for AI professionals. Students who complete the training will receive an e-certificate. MathWorks and ICTAK will acknowledge campuses that promote the most participation in this initiative. This recognition will encourage institutions to take advantage of this free training opportunity. It will also help to create a culture of innovation and learning among students in Kerala, which will benefit the technology industry in the long run.
MoU with MathWorks
ICTAK and MathWorks exchanged a Memorandum of (MoU) intended to upskill students of Kerala on current technologies like AI, electrification, robotics, data science, and more. Mr. Santhosh Kurup, CEO of ICTAK, received the MoU from MathWorks representatives during the seminar ‘Electrification and Robotic Systems: Trends and Opportunities’. The MOU outlines various initiatives and activities that will be undertaken jointly by ICTAK and MathWorks to promote technical education in the state. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of ICTAK and MathWorks towards promoting skill development and innovation in the rapidly evolving technology sector. Overall, this partnership aims to empower students in Kerala with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the technology-driven economy of today and tomorrow.
Connecting Talents
April was a bustling month with job fairs across various locations, each with its unique offerings and opportunities for job seekers. The first job fair, held at Bharata Mata College, Kochi, saw the participation of 24 esteemed companies who sought to interview 104 candidates who came to the venue with eagerness and anticipation. Out of the total candidates, 20 candidates were selected for various positions, while 146 candidates were shortlisted for future opportunities. This event was a testament to the spirit of collaboration between educational institutions and the industry to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled professionals.
The second job fair, conducted at the ICTAK headquarters in T’puram, was a company-specific mini-job fair for Junior Dec 25 Private Limited. The event offered positions in both technical and non-technical roles. A vast number of 81 candidates participated in the event, with 8 candidates securing employment and 11 shortlisted for further consideration. The success of these events highlights the importance of job fairs in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers and promoting employment opportunities in the state.
Offline Odyssey
The Academic Operational Unit of ICTAK conducted physical sessions alongside virtual ones. The ChatGPT session at TKM Institute of Technology was an enlightening experience for the 35 students who participated. The students were impressed with the in-depth knowledge shared by trainers Mr. Riji N. Das and Mr. Gopu Darshan. The feedback received from the students was remarkable, as they expressed their gratitude for the valuable insights gained from the session. A one-day workshop on Tableau held at Holygrace Academy of Engineering , Mala on 19th April, was a resounding success with the participation of 50 students. Meanwhile, at Nirmala College, STT- REACT JS from March 07 to April 05 was a whirlwind of activity, with 108 participants from BCA engaged with React JavaScript library. Overall, the sessions received positive feedback from the students, who appreciated the opportunity to learn and improve their skills.
Outsmart the ATS using Digital Footprint
The ICT Academy of Kerala partnered with Reflections Info Systems to host an Industry-Academia Interaction Program on 13th April 2023, titled ‘Outsmart the ATS using Digital Footprint.’ The keynote speaker, Mr. Jithin Chakkalakkal, Manager-HR at Reflections Info Systems, enlightened attendees on the importance of digital footprints in the job market and provided practical tips on optimising one’s online presence to outsmart Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Attendees were actively engaged, with several participants posing questions leading to an informative Q&A session. The program was a resounding success, bridging the gap between academia and industry and providing attendees with valuable insights for future job searches.
ICTAK AOU Summer Internship
ICTAK has kicked off its highly anticipated one-month summer internship program on 24th April 2023, offering students a unique opportunity to learn and grow. The program includes a one-week physical session, case study, and nine-hour virtual mentorship designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for students.
The opening session on machine learning and artificial intelligence, led by expert trainer Mr. Mohammed Shafeeq Hameed, was attended by 24 students from the Dept. of Statistics, University of Kerala. The internship is conducted simultaneously at ICTAK’s headquarters in T’puram and its regional offices in Koratty and Kozhikode. The Academic Operations Unit (AOU) of ICTAK is overseeing the program, with support from the Knowledge Office team. We can’t wait to see what innovative ideas and solutions these bright minds will bring as they continue their internship journey!
Exploring Synergies
The academy recently hosted the first batch of Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) officer trainees for a knowledge-sharing session at its headquarters. The visit was a part of the KAS training program aimed at providing exposure to the trainees. During their visit, the officer trainees had an engaging interaction with our CEO, Mr. Santhosh Kurup, and familiarised themselves with the workings of ICTAK. Different OU heads and project leads, including Mr. Amal Vijay, Mr. Biju Soman, Dr. Manoj A.S., Mr. Riji N. Das, and Mr. Sreekumar K.V., also attended the meeting. These industry experts shared their knowledge and experience with the officer trainees, providing them with valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in the industry. It was wonderful to meet and engage with these bright young minds who are gearing up to serve the state in various capacities and look forward to continuing to support the development of the next generation of bureaucrats.
Concluding Thoughts
As the final lines of the blog draw near, we pause to reflect on the chapter that has come before us. The academy remained steadfast in its commitment as an unwavering beacon of hope in the last financial year. We stand on the cusp of a new era marked by emerging technologies and innovative approaches to learning and development. As we look ahead to the new chapter, we can take faith in the knowledge that we have laid a strong foundation for the future.
