Infosys to train British youth in software skills

Bangalore, May 9 (IANS) Global consulting and technology major Infosys will develop software skills in Britain to qualify about 100 youth for suitable jobs, the IT bellwether said Wednesday.

The $7 billion company signed a deed with the National Apprenticeship Scheme (NAS) of Britain in the presence of the Duke of York Prince Andrew at its headquarters in Bangalore's electronics city. The NAS supports, funds and co-ordinates delivery of apprenticeships throughout Britain to create job opportunities for learners.

"We will provide apprenticeships to about 100 youth across our offices in Britain in diverse fields such as marketing, human resources and software development," Infosys board member Srinath Batni said here.

"Though our apprenticeship programme, we will develop and support about 100 learners for employment through software training programmes designed at our global education centre at Mysore," Batni said in a statement.

"As a global tech firm, we will invest in countries and communities where we are present through our foundation. In Britain, where we are a part of the national, cross-employer group 'IT for girls', the focus will be on attracting more girls into IT careers through school visits, talks and other initiatives," Batni noted.

Infosys also works with the East london Business Alliance, an organisation that helps companies connect with local schools to provide support and develop various programmes.

As a part of its global internship programme 'In Step', the company has hosted 88 interns from Britain since 2004, including 18 students in 2011.