Sankofa by ETC - Economic Transformation Council: Bridging the Skill Gap and Empowering Early Employability in India
India boasts a young and vibrant population, churning out millions of graduates annually. However, a crucial disconnect exists between the skills honed in classrooms and the demands of the evolving job market. Employers often struggle to find candidates with the right skill sets, hindering their growth and innovation.
The Economic Transformation Council (ETC), under the leadership of Managing Director Mr. Mohamed Amjad Padiyath, recognizes this challenge and proudly introduces Sankofa, a groundbreaking socio-economic project designed to bridge this gap and empower early employability in India. Inspired by the West African proverb of learning from the past to move forward, Sankofa equips graduates with the tools and knowledge to seamlessly transition into the workforce.
Sankofa: A Secure and Independent Platform
To ensure the long-term sustainability and independence of the initiative, Sankofa has been established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This legal entity operates separately from the ETC, with the ETC holding a major stake. This structure offers several advantages:
Focus and Flexibility: An SPV allows Sankofa to operate with greater focus and flexibility. It can make independent decisions regarding platform development, resource allocation, and partnerships without being constrained by the broader mandates of the ETC.
Risk Management: The SPV structure creates a clear separation between Sankofa's operations and the ETC's finances. This safeguards the unimpeded growth of Sankofa globally through potential collaborations with international organizations and corporations.
Transparency and Governance: The SPV establishes a clear governance structure with a dedicated board of directors responsible for overseeing Sankofa's operations. This ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making.
A Talent Pipeline for Employers:
Sankofa takes the form of a user-friendly web application specifically designed for Indian educational institutions. This platform functions as a bridge between employers and potential hires, fostering early-stage employability. Here's how it empowers employers:
Access to a Diverse Talent Pool: Sankofa connects employers with a comprehensive database of pre-qualified graduates across various disciplines – arts, sciences, technology, law, sports, and even the public sector. This allows employers to tap into a diverse pool of talent, identifying individuals who align with their specific needs.
Early Engagement with Future Workforce: Sankofa facilitates early engagement with potential employees. Employers can post internship opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and entry-level positions, allowing them to identify and nurture talent before they enter the job market. This fosters a strong talent pipeline, ensuring a steady inflow of skilled professionals.
Data-Driven Matching: Sankofa goes beyond simply presenting resumes. The platform utilizes a sophisticated system to analyze academic performance, skill development, and career aspirations of graduates. This allows employers to make data-driven hiring decisions, finding candidates with the right fit for their roles.
Empowering Early Career Development:
Sankofa offers a win-win situation for both graduates and employers. Here's how it empowers early career development:
Exposure to Diverse Opportunities: Graduates gain access to a comprehensive database of internships, entry-level jobs, and training programs across various sectors. This allows them to explore diverse career paths and find opportunities that align with their interests and skills.
Skill-Building Resources: Sankofa goes beyond job postings. It serves as a repository of valuable skill-building resources, including industry reports, career development guides, and online workshops. This empowers graduates to continuously develop their skillset, making them more attractive to potential employers.
Improved Career Guidance: Educational institutions can leverage Sankofa to personalize career guidance. By understanding the types of opportunities available, counselors can tailor their advice to match specific skillsets and industry demands. This enables graduates to make informed career choices early on.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Success:
Sankofa thrives on collaboration. The ETC, through its major stake in the SPV, actively fosters partnerships with corporations, NGOs, and governmental institutions. This allows employers to:
Contribute to Skill Development: Employers can collaborate with educational institutions to design targeted skill-development programs that align with industry needs. This ensures graduates are equipped with the right skills from the outset.
Shape the Future Workforce: By engaging with students and graduates early on, employers can play a role in shaping the future workforce. This ensures a steady supply of talent with the skills necessary for the evolving job market.
Investing in India's Future
Sankofa represents a significant step forward for India's economic development. By facilitating early-stage employability and bridging the skill gap, Sankofa empowers graduates and strengthens the nation's competitive advantage. Employers gain access to a pool of skilled and prepared graduates, fueling innovation and driving economic growth.
Comments