The Corporate Vice President and Head of EdTech Business at HCL Technologies Srimathi Shivashankar, sheds light on the company’s collaboration with Pathfinder Tech Institute, a new venture focused on IT and educational training in Sri Lanka.
In an interview, with the Daily News Business, Srimathi discusses how the partnership equips youth and corporate professionals with the skills needed to thrive in digital, cloud and cyber technologies.
With globally recognised certification programmes, project-based internships and job readiness initiatives, the collaboration addresses the critical talent supply-demand gap in the IT industry. Srimathi also emphasises the importance of upskilling and reskilling in adapting to the ever-evolving IT landscape, highlighting how such efforts ensure both business competitiveness and career growth in a rapidly changing world.
Q: What is Pathfinder Tech Institute?
A: Pathfinder Tech Institute is a newly formed company focused on IT and educational training. It collaborates with HCL Technologies to provide employment-focused training to various industries and youth in Sri Lanka.
Q: What kind of jobs do the students get after the training?
A: The training prepares students for entry-level careers in digital, cloud, cyber and other technology roles available in Sri Lanka. For corporate employees, the training focuses on next skills required for their career advancement.
Q: What are the career paths for Pathfinder Tech candidates who complete the course?
A: Candidates receive a certificate from HCL Technologies, which is valid for employment in Sri Lanka and overseas. Career pathways include various digital and technology roles and the training helps both tech and non-tech individuals stay relevant in their careers.
Q: Are there plans to launch any other career development programmes in the future?
A: The current collaboration with HCL Technologies includes project-based internships and job readiness programmes. These certification programmes are valid globally, helping individuals gain employability.
Q: How does HCL Technologies adapt to the ever-changing IT landscape?
A: HCL Technologies ensures that employees embrace new skills and technologies to stay competitive. The focus is on upskilling and reskilling to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Q: Why is upskilling and reskilling essential to business survival?
A: Upskilling and reskilling are crucial for businesses to stay relevant, productive and competitive. Companies need to keep up with market needs, stay efficient and absorb the right talent to service their clients effectively.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the job market in the field of IT across the world?
A: The talent supply-demand gap is a significant challenge. The market dynamics change rapidly and what is considered a hot skill today may not be tomorrow. Collaborations like the one between Pathfinder Tech Institute and HCL Technologies help create a talent pipeline to address this gap.
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