Edtech platform upGrad has partnered with Social Panga, an integrated creative and digital marketing agency, to organise a two-day intensive on-site training for students of MICA Ahmedabad pursuing an 'Advanced Digital Marketing and Communications Certificate'.
The initiative is expected to begin in Bengaluru in July 2024, and will cover cities like Delhi and Mumbai in August and September respectively. upGrad said the sessions have been tailored to facilitate face-to-face interaction with industry experts who can provide immediate feedback on ideas.
Himanshu Arora, Co-founder of Social Panga and The Yellow Shutter
Findings published in the latest Pearson Skills Outlook report reveal a notable disconnect exists between traditional education approaches and the evolving requirements of today's job market, with many employers expressing concern about the mismatch between the qualifications graduates possess and the practical skills essential in their respective workplaces.
This highlights the urgent need for upskilling programs across India, especially in the marketing and creative sectors. This comes in light of another Teamlease study which predicts marketing to be the top function with a 70% growth rate when it comes to expanding the workforce. A hands-on approach is needed to hone learners' skills and establish a solid foundation for continued success in the digital marketing space.
“Experiential learning is in high demand by experts and newbies alike, owing to its interactive nature and ability to be engaged in an authentic environment. We have developed a reverse-engineered pedagogy with MICA Ahmedabad to ensure that the skills acquired during the program are market-ready. Hence, this comprehensive add-on will only facilitate precision learning and stronger applied training,” said Mayank Kumar, Co-founder and Managing Director, upGrad.
Mayank Kumar, Co-founder and Managing Director, upGrad
The skill-building platform has seen steady year-on-year sign-up growth in FY24. The company says that every 10 minutes a learner enrolls in a digital marketing program on the platform, and it expects this number to grow sharply.
Commenting on the partnership, Himanshu Arora, Co-founder, Social Panga and The Yellow Shutter said, “Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the industry and nurture future talent. MICA has a history of churning out great talent, some of whom are now part of the Panga team. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration by sharing our extensive industry experience gained from working with top brands.”
The training not only increases exposure and recognition of their problem-solving skills but also fosters mentorship connections, builds valuable networks, and enriches their learning journey for better outcomes. Learners also gain insights into potential career paths and first-hand experience to understand the corporate culture. On completion of the training, they will receive a joint certificate issued by upGrad and Social Panga attesting to their training in Digital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).