Statesman, Bangalore
25 October 2005

Arunima Bera in Kolkata

Oct. 25. — Dearth of skilled candidates for the BPO-ITES sector has always plagued the industry. They are unable to fill vacancies in spite of the large number of job applicants simply because there just aren’t enough candidates worth selecting.

“Though a large number of applicants come for interviews, only very few are finally selected. With the result that companies approach us again since the requirement persists,” said Ms Kavitha Reddy, vice president, TeamLease, a placement consultant firm for the BPO-ITES sector.

While the state promises ample job opportunity with the number of BPOs doubling next year, lack of skilled labour dogs the industry. According to Mr GD Gautama, state IT minister, unless the opportunity is captured, prospects are not bright.

Mr Gautama said that six months ago, the IT department and Webel, in association with Technable Solutions Pvt Ltd had started a one month (45 hours) ITES assessment and training course comprising communication skills, software skills and work ethics, in seven colleges under Calcutta University. The state IT department plans to introduce the course in 20 colleges within the next three months, he added.

Technable Solutions conducts an ITES aptitude test that can be taken by any candidate who has passed class XII, said Mr Sunny Bhattacharya, managing director, Technable Solutions Pvt Ltd. Depending on results in this test, the company offers recruitment at BPOs or guides candidates to undertake training courses it conducts, he continued.

The state IT department has already approached West Bengal University of Technology to introduce such a course in the university syllabus, said Mr Gautama.

Stressing the need to introduce lessons into the education system based on corporate requirements, Ms Reddy said that TeamLease has used the concept in Bangalore where the company has tied up with 200 colleges and conducts a 90-hour pre-process training program. Training is provided to give a feel of the corporate world, added Ms Reddy.

“We will approach the government and speak to varsities in the state to introduce such pre-process training programs in the state within a few months”, she said.

Along with theoretical knowledge, educational institutes should emphasize on spoken English and accent, personality development and analytical skills, Ms Reddy concluded.