In India, bridging the digital gap is essential for fostering social sustainability. Accessible and affordable smartphones and Internet connectivity can significantly enhance opportunities for remote learning and skill development in the technology sector. Given that India boasts the world’s largest youth population, equipping this demographic with 21st-century skills can drive both national growth and contribute to global economic advancement.
Recognizing the critical role of digital inclusion, Capgemini, a leading multinational IT services and consulting firm, has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to advance initiatives aimed at enhancing education and employability, thereby closing the digital divide.
Ravi Singh, Vice President & CSR Leader at Capgemini in India
Ravi Singh, Vice President & CSR Leader at Capgemini in India, discussed the company’s technology-enabled programs and their contribution to social sustainability. Capgemini has collaborated with AWS on the AWS re/Start program, which aims to fund the training of 1,800 learners in India from 2021 to 2024.
AWS re/Start is a cohort-based workforce development program designed to prepare individuals for entry to mid-level positions in high-demand cloud roles through technical coursework, hands-on labs, and professional skills training.
When discussing sustainability, climate change and carbon emissions often come to mind. What does sustainability signify for Capgemini?
Ravi Singh:
At Capgemini, we are committed to tackling climate change and inequality—two of the biggest challenges facing society today. Our sustainability pledge encompasses three core pillars: diversity, digital inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
For us, diversity involves creating an inclusive workplace and attracting a diverse workforce. Digital inclusion builds on diversity by leveraging our skills to help societies harness the benefits of the digital revolution. Not everyone has equal access to technology and the Internet; this digital divide can result in significant disparities in opportunities, leaving some communities marginalized and excluded from the advantages of the digital age. Environmental sustainability involves minimizing our climate impact while supporting our clients.
How does digital skills training factor into your social sustainability strategy?
Ravi Singh:
Technology can empower individuals, enabling them to engage actively in societal progress. However, this empowerment is contingent upon having sufficient technical knowledge and open digital access. Our commitment to providing digital skills training aims to reduce social inequalities by focusing on marginalized groups. We facilitate access to technology and cloud resources for individuals who lack consistent online presence for learning or cannot afford specialized training. Our social sustainability projects target children, youth, and adults facing disadvantages.
Our programs operate under the principle that the digital revolution has transformed how we live, work, and connect. However, not everyone has equal access to technology and the Internet. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital age due to limited access to technology. By advocating for digital inclusion, we contribute to a more equitable and interconnected society; this empowers individuals to fully engage in the digital economy, access education, and utilize diverse services and opportunities.
We offer courses in DevOps, SAP, and Java, along with cloud-focused programs like AWS re/Start to ensure participants are well-equipped for a variety of cloud career roles. Our initiatives encompass over 500 hours of immersive learning, blending theory with practical, project-based experiences. Participants also receive intensive training in employability skills, such as resume writing, to prepare them for their future careers.
How has AWS re/Start bolstered your inclusion efforts?
Ravi Singh:
Collaborating with clients, NGOs, and partners like AWS enhances the effectiveness of our initiatives. In 2021, we pledged to train 1,800 learners through AWS re/Start, averaging 600 learners annually. We also facilitate job opportunities for program graduates, which supports our recruitment strategies. Most importantly, AWS re/Start has broadened our outreach. In the current business environment, cloud technology is vital for operational transformation. The evolving cloud landscape demands a skilled workforce, and Capgemini, alongside AWS, is providing cloud training to India’s untapped talent—recent graduates eager to enter the dynamic cloud sector.
What benefits do learners gain from the AWS re/Start program?
Ravi Singh:
Graduates of the program acquire numerous future-ready skills that enhance their career prospects and positively influence their families and communities. For instance, one of our candidates transitioned from a non-technical background. After joining AWS re/Start, he gained skills in cloud computing, Linux, and Python. Completing AWS re/Start was a monumental achievement for him, allowing him to support his family financially, and he never envisioned a career as a software engineer at a prominent company like Capgemini.
Another employee, who now serves as a software associate, was the only girl from her village to secure a job in a multinational company. She attributes her success to AWS re/Start, which she joined right after graduation through EduBridge and Capgemini. The enthusiasm and positivity these young individuals bring to work daily reflect the success of our collaborative efforts with AWS.
How does the AWS re/Start initiative align with Capgemini’s goals?
Ravi Singh:
Our initiatives are undeniably enhancing both our business and workforce resilience. We integrate sector expertise, innovative cloud technologies, and global resources to develop a curriculum that aligns with current market demands. We also value the positive downstream effects of increased digital inclusion.
Capgemini is among the top global employers of the AWS re/Start program. This partnership enables us to cultivate the talent pipeline necessary to meet the rising demand for cloud and sector expertise from our clients. In light of the competitive nature of the digital skills arena, we are tackling this by investing in early-career talent. We eagerly anticipate observing how the program aids participants in achieving long-term success by boosting their confidence and self-esteem. We aim to maintain a positive impact on the communities we serve.
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