Latest news with #AbhimanyuSaxena
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Central Apprenticeship Council proposes 36% stipend hike for youth: what it means for students
The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), on Monday recommended a 36% increase in apprentice stipends under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). Announced during the 38th CAC meeting chaired by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the proposal aims to bridge the gap between education and employment while lowering dropout rates and expanding industry participation. Once approved, the stipend would increase from the current Rs 5,000 – Rs 9,000 range to Rs 6,800 – Rs 12,300. This hike is aimed not only at reducing dropout rates, but also improving program attractiveness, and address the financial limitations that prevent many from continuing their apprenticeships. This upward revision would also be automatically adjusted every two years, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with national salary cycles and ensuring that stipends remain relevant in the face of inflation, according to the statement released. 'The Central Apprenticeship Council's stipend increase is a welcome move and a strategic investment in India's human capital, directly addressing key challenges in apprenticeship uptake and retention. This enhanced financial support empowers more youth, particularly those from non-metro cities, to fully commit to rigorous training, reducing financial barriers that often lead to dropouts,' said Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-Founder of Scaler, an online upskilling platform for working tech professionals, focusing on software engineering. The government's proposal comes amid persistent concerns over dropout rates and poor apprenticeship penetration. With India's apprenticeship engagement at just 0.27% of the workforce, compared to 3-4% in developed nations, financial support is seen as a key lever for improving retention and encouraging participation. 'Despite notable progress, India's apprenticeship engagement remains significantly below global benchmarks. The stipend hike is a vital incentive to attract and retain talent in skilling programs,' noted Dr. Nipun Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, a public-private partnership program that blends academic study with work experience. According to the statement, dropout prevention was central to the CAC's agenda. By making apprenticeships financially viable, especially for students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, the stipend revision is expected to encourage sustained participation across diverse sectors. Students in both technical and non-technical streams stand to gain. Under schemes like PM-NAPS, over 43.47 lakh apprentices have been engaged across 36 States and UTs, and female participation has touched 20%. The NATS scheme, targeting graduates and diploma holders, enrolled 5.23 lakh apprentices in the year 2024-25 alone. This stipend hike provides greater financial security to continue apprenticeships without interruption, improved job-readiness through exposure to real-world work environments and an overall increased higher appeal of vocational education, especially with rising cost-of-living in cities. 'Efficiency of production in India holds the key to how quickly we surpass global competitors. The skill level in many trades is still below global standards, and this increase is small but a welcome step,' said Dr VP Singh, Program Director at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon. A major thrust of the CAC's discussion also focused on enhancing Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs). These integrate classroom learning with structured on-the-job training, offering a credible alternative to purely academic degrees. Reforms also include simultaneous notification of Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) and apprenticeship programs, ensuring better curricular alignment and smoother transitions for vocational learners. 'Our vision is to ensure every young person, regardless of background, gets a fair shot at a meaningful career through hands-on learning and industry exposure,' emphasised Minister Jayant Chaudhary, according to the statement.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Scaler Innovation Lab ties up with Gahan AI to develop autonomous mobility solutions for mining sector
Scaler Innovation Lab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Gahan AI to co-develop autonomous navigation systems tailored for the mining industry. The partnership aims to address the challenge of enabling autonomous vehicles to operate in unmapped, off-road environments without prior map data, including under adverse weather conditions. As part of the agreement, Gahan AI will operate from the Scaler Innovation Lab, where it will mentor early-stage startups and participate in regular showcases. Under the collaboration, select students from Scaler School of Technology and Scaler School of Business will work on research and development projects alongside Gahan AI's engineering team to build AI models and systems that can replicate decision-making in unstructured environments, a capability considered essential for operations in hazardous areas and disaster response scenarios. Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-founder, Scaler, said, 'This collaboration is a testament to our belief that real-world impact is the best classroom. We're excited to offer our students the opportunity to solve hard problems that matter, while empowering a homegrown startup like Gahan AI to fast-track innovation.' Gahan AI will conduct workshops and hackathons for Scaler students, as well as offer internship opportunities. Students will engage with real-world autonomous mobility problems and be mentored by Gahan AI's leadership. Mining safety as a priority The initiative is intended to address safety issues in the mining sector . According to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), transportation-related incidents account for around 40 per cent of mining fatalities in India. Globally, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) attributes over 70 per cent of surface mining deaths to vehicle interactions in unstructured environments. Uddalok Majumder, Co-founder, Gahan AI, said, 'At Gahan AI, we're committed to solving some of the most complex challenges in autonomous mobility — especially for real-world, unstructured environments like those at mining sites across the globe. Partnering with Scaler allows us to collaborate with some of the brightest young minds in engineering and business. We're excited to work with students who are not just learning theory, but actively building, testing, and innovating alongside us.'
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Advanced AI engineering programme to bridge skill gap in emerging tech
In a move to address the growing demand for professionals skilled in applied Artificial Intelligence, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has partnered with edtech soonicorn Scaler to launch an Advanced AI Engineering Programme under the aegis of its Continuing Education Centre (CEC). The collaborative initiative is designed to equip learners with industry-relevant AI and machine learning skills through a practice-oriented curriculum developed jointly by IIT Roorkee faculty and industry experts. The programme, which is open to both tech and non-tech professionals, focuses on imparting real-world knowledge and tools necessary for high-impact roles in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. 'This programme is a step toward shaping the future of technical education by combining academic rigor with real-world application,' said Professor Kaushik Ghosh, Coordinator, CEC, IIT Roorkee. 'The successful rollout of this AI programme marks the beginning of many such initiatives in emerging fields.' The course covers core concepts of machine learning, deep learning, and applied generative AI. Modules include training on large language models (LLMs), tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor, API integration (OpenAI, ChatCompletion), AI agent development, and sector-specific applications such as diagnostics and drug discovery in healthcare. Delivered through live online classes and hands-on projects, the program also features a two-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee, allowing learners to access research labs and engage with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. Upon completion, participants receive a joint certificate from IIT Roorkee's CEC and Scaler, validating their expertise for roles such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, or Software Developer. 'The mission is to build future-ready tech talent,' said Abhimanyu Saxena, co-founder of Scaler. 'This programme is only the beginning of a broader initiative to deliver top-tier education in high-growth tech domains.'
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
IIT Roorkee and Scaler Sign MOU to launch advanced AI-focused programs to bridge industry skill gaps
In a move to address the growing demand for professionals skilled in applied Artificial Intelligence, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has partnered with edtech soonicorn Scaler to launch an Advanced AI Engineering Programme under the aegis of its Continuing Education Centre (CEC). The collaborative initiative is designed to equip learners with industry-relevant AI and machine learning skills through a practice-oriented curriculum developed jointly by IIT Roorkee faculty and industry experts. The programme, which is open to both tech and non-tech professionals, focuses on imparting real-world knowledge and tools necessary for high-impact roles in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. "This programme is a step toward shaping the future of technical education by combining academic rigor with real-world application,' said Professor Kaushik Ghosh, Coordinator, CEC, IIT Roorkee. 'The successful rollout of this AI programme marks the beginning of many such initiatives in emerging fields.' The course covers core concepts of machine learning, deep learning, and applied generative AI. Modules include training on large language models (LLMs), tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor, API integration (OpenAI, ChatCompletion), AI agent development, and sector-specific applications such as diagnostics and drug discovery in healthcare. Delivered through live online classes and hands-on projects, the program also features a two-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee, allowing learners to access research labs and engage with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. Upon completion, participants receive a joint certificate from IIT Roorkee's CEC and Scaler, validating their expertise for roles such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, or Software Developer. 'The mission is to build future-ready tech talent,' said Abhimanyu Saxena, co-founder of Scaler. 'This programme is only the beginning of a broader initiative to deliver top-tier education in high-growth tech domains.'
Business Standard
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Scaler School of Technology Student Becomes Only Indian to Join Apple Developer Academy, Bali
'From experimenting in my college lab to becoming the only Indian student at Apple Developer Academy in Bali—it's been a crazy, exciting ride,' says Krishna, a second-year Computer Science student at Scaler School of Technology (SST). His journey, which began with sheer curiosity and a willingness to tinker, has now placed him at one of the world's most prestigious tech training programmes. While two to three students were selected from India, Krishna was the only one to secure a final spot. 'I'm the only Indian here, but yeah, it feels great. The whole process—from applying to finally landing in Bali—has been surreal.' — Krishna, Scaler School of Technology student The journey that led him to this international opportunity didn't start with a long-term goal to work with Apple. In fact, it began with a simple curiosity. 'When the Apple Vision Pro came to our innovation lab at SST earlier this year, I just wanted to try it out. But our co-founder Abhimanyu Saxena had a rule—you can only use the device if you build something for it. So I started learning how to develop for the Apple platform just to get my hands on the gadget.' From Curiosity to Innovation What began as an experiment soon turned into a passion. Krishna created a basic jungle-themed app to test on the Vision Pro, and that experience got him hooked. Soon after, Urban Company visited SST and presented a real-world problem—how customers struggle to visualize wall panels in their homes. This led to Krishna being part of a team that built a prototype for Vision Pro, helping users preview wall panel designs in mixed reality. 'That project really deepened my interest in the Apple ecosystem,' he shares. Alongside the hands-on work, Krishna also connected with the Swift Bangalore community, attending events that were held at SST and meeting developers working in iOS and macOS domains. It was during this time, around August 2024, that he found out about the Apple Developer Academy. The Application Process 'The application process was intense. I had to submit a portfolio, and I made sure to include my Vision Pro project, internships I got through SST—at Dukaan and another company—and other college work. Then came an online test on logic, math, and computer fundamentals. After clearing that, I was invited to a group discussion round where we had to solve a problem and present it technically. I think what set me apart was the kind of architectural detailing I could bring in, thanks to what I'd learnt at SST.' The SST effect Ask Krishna what helped him the most in getting here, and he's quick to point to Scaler. 'Almost everything I did that led to this came through SST. From getting access to the Vision Pro to having mentors like Mr Sai Mowa, who was heading the Innovation Lab when we worked on the Urban Company project, the ecosystem pushed me forward.' What's even more impressive is how SST continues to support him while he's in Bali. 'Right now, I'm not physically on campus. But all my exams are online, classes are online, and I can still reach out to my teachers whenever I need help. The flexibility is amazing. It really makes it easier to balance this opportunity with my academics,' he explains. At the Academy, Krishna is now diving into not just app development but also design thinking, user research, and marketing. 'Until now, I was mostly focused on just the coding side. But here, you do everything—design your app, interview users, and pitch your idea. It's a whole new world for me.' Looking back, Krishna credits the culture and peer environment at SST for sparking his interest in iOS development. 'I used to just do DSA and basic web dev. But then I saw a friend build a full iOS app, and I thought, if he can do it, I can at least try. That mindset shift happened because of the people around me. Everyone's trying new things, and that makes you want to push yourself too.' Advice to Fellow Students? His advice for young tech enthusiasts in India? 'Try everything that comes your way. Experiment. That's how you find what you love. And also, start thinking from first principles—it helps you really understand things rather than just memorizing them,' the SST student points out.
