Focus on 5G Education | TelecomDrive.com
As India is experiencing one of the fastest deployments of 5G technology globally, there is an ever increasing need for skilled manpower that can handle deployment of 5G technology. Keeping this need in mind, TSSC is proactively addressing the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in 5G and has already launched a number of Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in India focusing on skilling/upskilling/reskilling the youth on 5G and its use cases.
Arvind Bali, CEO, Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) speaks with Zia Askari from TelecomDrive.com about the organisation's focus towards enabling 5G workforce in India.
As the 5G rollout expedites in India, the demand for a ready-skilled workforce in 5G and allied technologies has also increased significantly. How is TSSC catching up with this rising demand-supply gap in the telecom ecosystem?
India is currently experiencing one of the fastest deployments of 5G technology globally. In a remarkable timeframe of only 8 months since its launch, approximately 2 lac sites have been established, covering 700 districts across the country.
TSSC is proactively addressing the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in 5G and allied technologies and launched various Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in India focusing on skilling/upskilling/reskilling the youth on 5G and its use cases, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity, development of the courses, addressing specialized projects, skill training, and other related services.
We have training centers across India which are equipped with the latest tools, equipment, and simulators that replicate real-world scenarios, enabling learners to gain hands-on experience in working with 5G technologies.
We have established strategic partnerships with leading telecom companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers which allows us to align our training programs with the industry’s requirements, ensuring that the skills imparted are relevant and in line with the latest technological advancements. Additionally, we also conduct train-the-trainer programs to enhance the training ecosystem.
As the TSSC aims to address the skill demands of the industry, what are your perspectives on the growing trend among youth to pursue skill-based courses, as opposed to traditional courses? How does the Telecom Sector Skill Council support and encourage this shift towards skill-based education to meet the evolving needs of the telecom sector?
We recognize the significant value and relevance of skill-based courses in today’s dynamic job market, especially in industries like telecom that are undergoing rapid technological advancements. We have a positive outlook on the increasing interest among young people in pursuing skill-based courses, as it aligns with the changing landscape of the industry.
We are actively collaborating with industry experts, telecom companies, and academia to develop a skill-based curriculum that aligns with the evolving needs of the telecom sector to ensure that the courses offered under our purview provide practical, hands-on training and equip learners with the specific skills and competencies required by the industry.
We offer industry-recognized certifications that are well recognized by telecom companies and help enhance the employability of individuals pursuing skill-based education. Strong partnerships with telecom companies create placement and internship opportunities.
Our skill development programs, workshops, and seminars raise awareness about telecom career prospects. Our learning portal empowers candidates to learn and grow, focusing on technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge.
We have trained over 1 million candidates through 600+ training partners and 1000+ centers. We facilitate apprenticeships and internships with telecom companies, providing practical exposure and learning from industry experts. These initiatives support the shift towards skill-based education, preparing youth for success in the dynamic telecom industry.
The telecom sector is not limited to urban areas but extends to rural and remote regions as well. How is the Telecom Sector Skill Council addressing the skilling needs and opportunities in these underserved areas to ensure inclusive growth and digital connectivity across the country?
According to the Indian Economic Survey 2022-23, India added more rural Internet subscribers than urban in last 3 years which was attributed to the growth to dedicated digital initiatives across rural areas through government schemes such as the BharatNet project, Telecom Development Plant, etc. As the rural areas get connected, we acknowledge the necessity of addressing skill requirements in rural regions.
We have developed skill development programs specifically tailored to rural areas, intending to utilize mobile training labs (I-buses) to overcome geographical limitations.
To reach remote areas with limited infrastructure, in 2022, we opened Centers of Excellence in cities like Patna and are working to set up 50 new training labs across India with the support of government and industry partners.
By bringing training directly to these areas, we are enabling candidates to enroll in the courses without the need to travel to urban regions. We are partnering with local institutions, offering job placement and entrepreneurship support and have also established a dedicated 'TelcoJobs' portal which has over 200 employers and over 2.5 lac job seekers registered on the portal.
Our primary goal is to bridge the skill gap, foster digital inclusivity, and promote comprehensive growth and digital connectivity throughout the country, encompassing both urban and rural areas.
What measures is the TSSC taking to collaborate with industry players and educational institutions to ensure that the skilling programs align with the industry requirements of 5G technology?
We are actively partnering with industry players and educational institutions, ensuring that our skilling programs align with the industry requirements of 5G technology. Recently, we have opened 3 Centers of Excellence in NIT Patna, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU)' and Kaushalya the Skill University Ahmedabad. These partnerships involve working together to develop courses, address specialized projects, provide skill training, and offer other related services to help individuals acquire the skills needed for the emerging technologies.
TSSC has been collaborating with different ministries and government bodies for the skilling requirements in the industry. What does this outlay look like across India and what are your future plans in this context?
The active collaborations with ministries and government bodies at the central and state levels help us to align our skilling initiatives with national skill development goals. We are working closely with Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and its associated departments, such as the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to ensure a coordinated and synergistic approach to skilling in the telecom sector and also engage with state-level skill development missions and departments to extend our reach and impact across different regions of the country.
We have a pan-India presence, encompassing various states and regions. Through our network of training centers, partnerships with educational institutions, and collaborations with local communities, we aim to make skilling opportunities accessible to individuals in different parts of India.
We plan to train between 1.5 lakh ' 2 lakh youth and place over 125,000 candidates in the industry through our placement programs in 2023. Additionally, with assistance from the DoT, TSSC will train 1 lac youth in 5G and related technologies over the course of the next three years. This approach will enable us to provide targeted and impactful skilling solutions, contributing to the overall development of the telecom sector across India.
This interview is published in the June 2023 issue of Disruptive Telecoms.
