Bengaluru, December 17. Cambridge Assessment English, a department of Cambridge University (UK), has teamed up with the Bengaluru-based Enguru Live English Learning to launch Upskill, a new smartphone-based test of English. Upskill will enhance the employability of graduates aspiring for entry level jobs in corporate organisations and covers four skills — speaking, listening, reading and writing. Built around users’ lifestyles, this affordable, flexible test can be taken on the Enguru app on an Android device anytime, anywhere. It focuses on levels A1-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, to show potential employers that candidates have work-ready English skills.

“Our mission is to help people to learn English and prove their skills to the world. We’ve developed Upskill as a quick, flexible, easily accessible, mobile based test which will boost the employability of graduates and entry level working professionals,” says T.K. Arunachalam, regional director — South Asia, of Cambridge Assessment English.

Hyundai launches Saksham

Mumbai, December 7. Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, launched ‘Saksham,’ a skills development initiative to boost employment opportunities in diverse sectors, starting with healthcare.

Commenting on commencement of the programme, S.S. Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd said: “Our Saksham initiative is aimed at empowering youth in vulnerable sections of society to become self-reliant. The initiative is a step towards providing skilled and trained support staff including medical attendants and janitors. The courses are certified by the National Skill Development Corporation.”

The first project in the healthcare domain will run in two phases — the first covering states of Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana — and Bihar and some other states in the second phase. The project will provide theoretical and on-job training modules to individuals followed by placement. Post training, students will be absorbed as patient attendants, janitors, general duty attendants, etc. The project is expected to place about 580 trainees by end-December 2020.

Imagine Cup 2021

New Delhi, December 3. Microsoft India and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have combined to launch the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2021, an innovation challenge for technology students. Imagine Cup is a global competition designed to motivate students to apply artificial intelligence and other technologies to solve some of the world’s most critical social and sustainability problems. This year’s Imagine Cup will be held online with students competing to solve global challenges in four categories — earth, education, health and lifestyle.

“The Imagine Cup competition is a platform for youth of India to couple technology with innovative ideas and build something that matters to them, makes a difference in their communities and creates societal impact. Our partnership with NSDC has been formed to empower young people across the country to collaborate, innovate and build for a sustainable future,” said Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, National Technology Officer of Microsoft, speaking on the occasion.

National entrepreneurship contest

Mumbai, December 3. The Mumbai-based Callido Learning Pvt. Ltd has partnered with IIT Roorkee’s e-Summit program to launch an entrepreneurship competition for school students.

The competition is open to all students countrywide aged 13-18. Under rules of the contest, all participants will be given 10 days training and mentorship through Callido’s Clever Harvey’s Junior CEO program to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship — identifying market need, designing business models, market sizing, rapid testing and presenting a business pitch. Finalists will present their ideas in a competition held between January 6-10, 2021, before a panel of industry specialists. Winners will be awarded recognition and attractive prizes.

“I am amazed by the creativity, problem-solving and business acumen teenagers have displayed. This partnership with IIT-Roorkee’s e-Summit is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain exposure to industry leaders and learn from the best,” said Ram Subramanian, CEO and co-founder of Clever Harvey, speaking on the occasion.
To register for the e-Summit see https://www.iitroorkee-esummit.cleverharvey.com/

HLC launches Beyond 8

Chennai, December 1. Beyond 8 Education, a unit of the Headstart Learning Centre (HLC), Chennai, launched a heutagogy or learner-determined approach to education programme providing full-time liberal education for children above 14 years of age. HLC prepares students for National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Delhi and Cambridge (IGCSE/A Level), UK board examinations.

“At Beyond 8, we aim to bring liberal education into the mainstream, so that parents and children find it easier to understand the long-term benefits and impact of this form of education. Our high school programme is designed to prepare young, teen students to face the complexities of our ever-changing world, thrive in a skilled, knowledge economy and develop the right attitude to lead meaningful lives,” says Raaji Naveen, co-founder, Beyond 8.