Showered by refreshing raindrops and a fresh burst of energy, May arrives with its distinct charm, offering diverse opportunities for growth and transformation. As nature awakens, so does our commitment to empowering individuals through transformative learning at the ICT Academy of Kerala. With an array of specialised programs and internships, this month’s blog encapsulates the essence of May, providing you with captivating musings of intellectual exploration.
Beyond boundaries
On a landmark visit, Mr. Nitirooge Phoneprasert, Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chennai, paid a visit to the headquarters of ICTAK on the 24th of May, 2023. The primary objective of his visit was to initiate discussions on potential collaborations between ICTAK and universities in Thailand. Mr. Phoneprasert actively and productively discussed matters with Mr. Santhosh Kurup, the CEO of ICTAK, fostering a valuable exchange of ideas. Also present at the meeting were Mr. Thomas Joseph, Head of Corporate Operations, and Mr. R. Gopinath Nair, Head of Finance and Administration, both of whom provided valuable insights on the matter. During his visit, Mr. Phoneprasert also had the chance to interact with the employees and get a firsthand look at the organisation’s operations. The success of this visit paves the way for future partnerships between ICTAK and universities in Thailand, promising mutual benefits and marking a remarkable stride towards fostering cross-cultural exchange and cooperation.
Partnership agreement with SHL
The ICT Academy of Kerala signed a partnership agreement with SHL Global, a leading provider of talent measurement solutions. As per the agreement signed on 4th May 2023, SHL will be the assessment partner for ICTAK, and both organisations will collaborate to develop and deliver talent assessments and certifications. Mr. Shiladitya Patnaik, Vice President of SHL, and Mr. Santhosh sealed the agreement during Mr. Patnaik’s visit to ICTAK headquarters. The meeting included the presence of Mr. Sreekumar K.V., Head of Retail Operations at ICTAK, and Mr. Hari K., Regional Manager of SHL. The certification programs offered by ICTAK are further augmented in value by external assessments carried out by organisations such as SHL.
Tech4All: Empowering women through advanced training
Tech4All, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Cognizant Technology Solutions, aims to empower women students by providing them with advanced IT skills training. The ICT Academy of Kerala is organising content delivery for the pre-final year undergraduate girls students of the higher education segment in Kerala. The program offers courses in the latest trending technologies, including Data Science, Networking, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Process Automation.
To ensure the highest quality of education, certified trainers like Mr. Gopu Darsan, Lead Knowledge officer, ICTAK, Ms. Anitha. B, Knowledge Officer, ICTAK, Mr. Babajan Tamboli, Cloudthat trainer are conducting the training sessions. With an investment of nearly ten lakh rupees in each institution, the program is committed to enabling students to pursue their dreams in the IT sector. Tech4All has made remarkable progress in fulfilling its mission, successfully conducting the program in multiple colleges across the state. The most recent completion took place at Providence Women’s College, Calicut.
Navigating Serenity
The HR division of the ICT Academy of Kerala recently organised a team outing to the backwaters of Alappuzha that left an indelible mark on all of us. The houseboat journey took us through a maze of canals, surrounded by the serene beauty of Kuttanad. As the team gracefully sailed across the waters, lively conversations, enchanting melodies, and spirited dances filled the air. The indigenous Kerala cuisine served during the outing delighted everyone’s taste buds, creating a memorable culinary experience.
It was a much-needed break from work that allowed us to reconnect with nature and ourselves. The team outing served as an excellent platform for team building, enabling participants to deepen their connections, understand each other better, and foster a stronger sense of unity and purpose within the team.
Young Innovators Programme
The Young Innovators Programme (YIP) is an exceptional initiative launched by K-DISC (Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council) to foster the growth of young innovators by providing them with the necessary support for their advancement. The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Young Innovators Programme, YIP 5.0, commenced its activities in December 2022. As part of this program, three Innovative and Design Thinking Training Programs were conducted in May. These programs catered to different domains, including medical students from Govt. Medical College and Govt. Ayurveda College, T’puram, and K-DISC mentors at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. The Young Innovators Programme continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of innovators, paving the way for a brighter future of innovation and creativity in Kerala.
Job fairs: Connecting talents
The ICT Academy of Kerala took the initiative to organise a series of highly successful job fairs in May. These job fairs aimed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunities by providing a platform for job seekers to connect with prospective employers. The events witnessed a remarkable turnout, with a total of 2017 individuals actively participating in nine different events held across various parts of Kerala. These fairs became the catalyst that bestowed wings upon the dreams of 503 candidates, leaving an unmistakable mark of its remarkable impact.
From mini job fairs to larger general job fairs, each event offered job seekers a wide array of opportunities to explore. Notably, the ‘Kazhakkoottam Job Fair’ witnessed the participation of 601 individuals, resulting in the successful hiring of 161 individuals, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, MLA of Kazhakkoottam Constituency. Another significant event was the ‘ICTAK-KKEM Cochin Job Fest,’ where 407 individuals actively participated, leading to 84 successful hirings. These accomplishments demonstrate the commitment of ICTAK to promoting job creation and fostering a thriving job market in Kerala.
The resonance of presence
The Academic Operational Unit of ICTAK conducted a handful of physical sessions in May. A one-day workshop on career and job opportunities for engineers on 5th May 2023 held at Vidya Academy of Science and Technology, Thrissur, was a success with the participation of 120 candidates. The unit also organised four FSD Internships in different colleges between the 2nd and 26th of May 2023. The internships conducted at Christ College of Engineering, Irinjalakuda, Government Polytechnic College, Perumbavoor, Jyothi Engineering College, Cheruthuruthy, and Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology, Vazhakulam, draw significant attention with an average participation of 32 candidates per session. The ML-AI Internship at Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kalady, took place from 22nd to 26th May 2023 and saw active participation from 42 individuals. These physical sessions help to foster personal connections, hands-on learning, expert guidance, and networking opportunities, making them invaluable resources in the realm of skill training in the technology industry.
HR in full swing
The HR department at the ICT Academy of Kerala is buzzing with energy as they embark on an intensive hiring process to fill key positions within the organisation. At the forefront of this hiring drive is the search for a visionary leader who will assume the mantle of CEO. This coveted position offers a unique chance to lead the skills development mandate of ICTAK, leveraging experience and expertise to drive the organisation to greater heights. Alongside the CEO position, the ICT Academy of Kerala has openings for PCT Associates, SET Associates, and Senior Managers-Finance, offering exceptional career opportunities for individuals with the right skills and qualifications to join the ICTAK team.
An endnote
As we bring this monthly blog to a close, we reflect on the vibrant tapestry of events and achievements that unfolded within the ICT Academy of Kerala. The past month saw the commencement of admissions for the Microskill Programs and registration for Six-month Programs, forging pathways of opportunity for aspiring learners. Additionally, the upcoming ‘Design for Kerala’ workshop, a part of the Management Development Programs, promises to nurture innovative thinking from the 15th to the 17th of June, 2023. Stay tuned for our next blog as we delve into the captivating narrative of progress and growth.
