ETS & Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sign MoU to Enhance Work Skills & Language Proficiency
New Delhi : ETS India, a subsidiary of US-based ETS, the world’s largest private, non-profit education and workforce assessment, measurement and research organization, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the employability quotient of India’s young workforce. This collaboration is designed to enhance the English language proficiency and 21st-century skills of learners and working professionals across India, thereby improving their credentials and competitiveness in both the Indian and Global markets.
Under this partnership, ETS and CII have outlined several key initiatives aimed at empowering India’s workforce with essential skills for global employability. These initiatives will leverage ETS’s globally recognized assessments, including the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and the Personal Skills & Qualities Tool (PSQ), to improve English language proficiency and assess vital 21st-century skills among learners and professionals.
Mr. Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Through this partnership with CII, ETS brings forth its global expertise in educational and workforce assessments to the forefront of India’s skill development. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for workforce readiness, emphasizing our commitment to fostering career progression opportunities for India’s talented individuals on an international scale. Our shared vision with CII is a testament to our dedication towards enhancing the global employability of the Indian workforce, signifying a leap forward in our journey to bridge skill gaps and promote global mobility.”
As a part of this collaboration, ETS will focus on enhancing international workforce mobility by offering English language assessments that are recognized by international employers. This initiative aims to facilitate the global mobility of India’s workforce, ensuring they are equipped with the language skills needed for international opportunities.
Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhury, Executive Director at CII, said, “CII is committed to strengthening India’s position as a global hub for skilled talent. Our collaboration with ETS is a strategic move towards achieving this goal and ensuring that Indian professionals are not only equipped with the necessary skills but their competencies are also recognized globally. This partnership underscores our dedication to enhance the quality and reach of India’s skill development programs.”
Furthermore, ETS will offer assessments of 21st Century Skills through PSQ to evaluate and enhance essential interpersonal and behavioural skills, making the Indian workforce more adaptable and proficient across various job roles. The partnership also commits to improving functional English literacy for young graduates by creating short learning pathways leading to certification in English proficiency, thereby enhancing their employability in a globally competitive job market.
Mr. Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India and South Asia, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with CII is pivotal in extending ETS’s assessment solutions to India’s diverse and talented workforce. It underscores our commitment to contributing to the nation’s skill development initiatives and aligning them with global standards.”
In addition to enhancing individual skills, the partnership aims to expand international horizons for India’s skilled professionals by leveraging synergies between CII’s industry influence and ETS’s global corporate network to streamline the employment process for Indian talent, ensuring they secure positions that match their skill sets on the international stage.