Cisco inks deal with AP Govt to help students acquire skills

NetAcad program will be integrated into higher education institutions

■ 59% of Indian companies report over ten unfilled cybersecurity roles

■ Learners will benefit from a mix of self-paced and instructor-led courses

Metro India News | vijayawada

Cisco has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to advance digital skills development in the state. This initiative aims to train 50,000 learners across Andhra Pradesh through the Cisco Networking Academy, one of the world’s longest-running IT skills-to-jobs programs.

As part of this collaboration, the NetAcad program will be integrated into higher education institutions, including degree colleges, engineering institutes and vocational training centers. This expansion will help students acquire critical skills, fostering a highly skilled workforce for the IT sector and other industries. Learners will benefit from a mix of self-paced and instructor-led courses available on the NetAcad platform.

According to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index, 59% of Indian companies report over ten unfilled cybersecurity roles, highlighting the urgent need for skilled professionals. Additionally, a Bain & Company report projects that India could face a shortfall of more than a million skilled AI professionals by 2027, emphasizing the importance of skill-building initiatives.

Cisco will also introduce specialized programs on the Andhra Pradesh state government portal, broadening access to high-demand courses for state officials. The initiative will feature virtual internships, workforce development programs such as Women Rock IT and Find Yourself in the Future (FYIF), and hands-on learning experiences to create a strong talent pipeline.

Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communications, stated, “As India moves forward in economic growth, equipping students and professionals with essential digital skills is more critical than ever. The Government of Andhra Pradesh welcomes Cisco’s initiative, which will play a key role in preparing our youth for emerging opportunities in AI and digital technologies.”

Dr. Guy Diedrich, senior vice president and Global Innovation Officer at Cisco, emphasized the importance of digital skills, saying, “As the workforce evolves with rapid technological advancements, bridging the digital skills gap is crucial. Our partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh reflects our dedication to cultivating a skilled workforce for the digital economy.”