ICA Edu Skills' Ankit Shyamsukha: Pioneering Practical Skills to Bridge Industry Needs and Workforce Capabilities

These awards are a recognition of our dedication to excellence and our contribution to skilling the Indian workforce.

Speaking to Mid Day, Ankit Shyamsukha, CEO of ICA Edu Skills and founder of the Institute of Digital and Content Marketing (IDCM), shared his vision towards empowering India’s youth and the economic growth.

1. ICA Edu Skills has earned a reputation for excellence in skill development and vocational training. Can you tell us your vision for this sector and its role in India's economic growth?

Thank you for the opportunity to speak. The landscape of work is changing rapidly, and a staggering 78% of industry leaders believe young graduates are inadequately equipped with practical skills despite holding traditional degrees. This presents a critical challenge for India's ambitious growth target of 8-9% for the next 20 years, a milestone needed to achieve developed nation status by 2047. While the recent implementation of NEP 2020 with its focus on skill-based learning is a step in the right direction, it's just the beginning. At ICA, we're fuelled by a vision to bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce capabilities. We believe skill development and vocational training are not just solutions, but engines for India's economic transformation. By empowering individuals with relevant, practical skills, we can unlock their potential for better employment opportunities, increased productivity, and a more competitive nation.

2. In your experience, what are the biggest challenges faced by the skill development sector in India?

One major challenge is the lack of awareness about the diverse skill sets available and their potential career paths. Another challenge is ensuring the quality and relevance of training programs to match industry requirements. Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is also crucial.

3. Can you elaborate on ICA's core subjects and how they cater to industry needs?

ICA's curriculum reflects our commitment to providing diverse, industry-relevant skills. In our traditional strengths, like Accounts, Finance, Banking & Taxation, we've empowered countless individuals. And with the boom of digital, we launched our Digital Marketing Institute 4 years ago, already successfully placing over 1000 students in dynamic careers. We're constantly pushing boundaries, and recently introduced courses in Data Science & Machine Learning, MIS, and ZOHO Books. Staying ahead of the curve is ingrained in our DNA, so we regularly update our curriculum and partner with industry experts to keep our training razor-sharp and aligned with current market demands. But it's not just about teaching the what, it's about teaching the how - we prioritize practical training, internships, and soft skills development to ensure our graduates are not just knowledgeable, but confident and workplace-ready.

4. ICA has received several awards and accolades. What do these achievements signify for you?

These awards are a recognition of our dedication to excellence and our contribution to skilling the Indian workforce. They motivate us to continue setting high standards and make a positive impact on society.

5. Put light on recent ICA Edu Skills collaboration with Zoho Inc. The possible impact and opportunities for students?

ZOHO Books' increasing relevance in the Indian, European, and US markets, and hence, ICA Edu Skills underscored the need for students to adapt to evolving industry trends, increasing employability, global recognition, and diversified skill set noting that ZOHO Books has rapidly gained traction among businesses worldwide. While ICA already offers training on TallyPrime and SAP S4 HANA, incorporating ZOHO Books into its curriculum will further enhance students' employability and competitiveness in the job market.

6. Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of ICA Edu Skills?

We aim to expand our reach across India and offer more specialized skill development programs. We also plan to leverage technology further to create personalized learning experiences and cater to the evolving needs of the job market. Ultimately, we want to be a leading force in empowering individuals through skill development and contributing to India's economic prosperity.

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