XpertQuest: A Collaborative Skill Development Program at ITM University

The primary objective of this unique initiative branded as XpertQuest is to create a robust framework for enhancing the employability and professional development of students through a wide range of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Skill Development Programs. These initiatives aim to provide students with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities for certification in critical areas such as cloud computing, blockchain, and advanced programming. By collaborating with top organizations like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Celonis, the university seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, thus preparing students for real-world challenges.

The Context:

The need for improved employability and professional development among students in higher education institutions, particularly in technology and management disciplines, has been a growing concern. In response to this challenge, ITM University Gwalior designed a strategy to form collaborations with global industry leaders and offer certified training programs that address skill gaps in critical sectors. For instance, the Applied Blockchain Centre in collaboration with Information Data Systems (IDS) focuses on emerging technologies, while partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft enhance cloud computing and programming skills. The context also includes the increasing importance of integrating theoretical academic learning with hands-on practical experience, to enable students to remain competitive in the fast-evolving job market.

The Design:

The practice revolves around two primary elements: Functional MoUs with Industry Partners and Skill Development Programs. Over the last five years, ITM University has signed multiple MoUs with reputed organizations, such as:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) (2021): AWS Academy resources are used to provide cloud computing education, faculty development, hands-on cloud experience, and AWS certification pathways.
• Microsoft (2021): Collaboration with Microsoft focuses on skill enhancement, professional development, and providing access to global certification exams.
• EduSkills Foundation (2022): This MoU emphasizes workforce readiness, curriculum enhancement, teacher training, and community engagement.
• Celonis (2022): The partnership promotes professional development, student employability, and certification pathways
• Information Data Systems (IDS) (2024): The establishment of the Applied Blockchain Centre focuses on blockchain technology in key sectors such as textiles and agriculture, providing hands-on learning and certified blockchain developer courses.

Alongside these collaborations, ITM University conducts various skill development programs to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and certifications. Programs include:

• Campus Recruitment Training (2023) aimed at MBA and B.Tech. students, which focuses on improving quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills.
• Salesforce Administrator and Developer Certification Programs (2023) for B.Tech. and BCA students.
• Core Java and Advanced Java Training Programs (2024) to enhance programming proficiency for B.Tech. students in various specializations.
• Blockchain Certification Programs (2024) designed to provide expertise in blockchain technologies for computer science students.

These collaborations and programs have a clear impact on student employability, as they provide relevant training, hands-on experience, and opportunities for certifications in areas such as cloud computing, blockchain, full-stack development, and more. This combination of theory and practice helps students to gain critical industry-recognized skills that enhance their job prospects.

ITM University has seen a substantial increase in student participation in these training programs, with over 200 students completing courses in blockchain technology, Java programming, and Salesforce certifications between 2023 and 2024 alone. Additionally, the Applied Blockchain Centre established in collaboration with IDS has provided over 60 students with certification as blockchain developers, thus equipping them for emerging technology roles.

The Microsoft Azure Certification Program also trained 31 students in cloud fundamentals, and several students successfully completed Salesforce Developer certifications, which are highly regarded in the tech industry. These results indicate that students are receiving practical skills that are directly transferable to the workplace, and industry partners have expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of ITM University graduates.