Sterlite Foundation teams up with firstsource

Mumbai, Jan 11 (UNI) Sterlite Foundation today announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with firstsource (formerly known as ICICI OneSource Ltd) to provide Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) training to students from economically weaker sections of the society.

ProEnglish is the new initiative by Sterlite Foundation that will help eligible underprivileged youth develop basic skills sets needed to join the ITES and hospitality industry.

In its pilot project, ProEnglish would be launched at the Sterlite Foundation Marine Drive Center.

Firstsource has helped Sterlite Foundation to define the curriculum of the course which will include diction, accent, voice modulation, customer service skills and relevant computer skills.

Qualified instructors will train students in the same, while an entrance exam to test English language comprehension of the students will be conducted to shortlist candidates.

Students would be eligible for the test if they have completed their 12th Std, and are above the age of 18 years. A nominal course fee would be charged, to encourage ownership and commitment of the course and ensure that participants complete it in time. On successfully completing the course, participants who meet with the criteria, will be guaranteed an interview with firstsource.

According to Sterlite Foundation trustee Suman Didwania, ''It is expensive for underprivileged students to enroll themselves for training with private institutes. Today at Sterlite Foundation, we are trying to bridge a very prevalent privilege gap in the society, by offering equal learning opportunities to the disadvantaged.

ProEnglish is introduced with an attempt to encourage such students, explore newer employment options available today.'' According to Ex VP HR firstsource Aashu Calapa, ''Our CSR program revolves around helping create livelihood opportunities for the underprivileged. The Sterlite Foundation's initiative helps us do that. We are also hopeful that we can get good employees from this initiative.'' The key jobs in the sector include back-office data processing, customer contact jobs and corporate support functions. The last few years have seen a whole range of similar value-added jobs being moved into the country.

The demand for trained professionals in the field is tremendous.

Sterlite Foundation therefore believes that launching a course such as ProEnglish, will cater to this growing demand.

UNI