The Hindu Business Line : IT to create 8 lakh jobs in TN

The information technology (IT) and ITES (information technology-enabled service) industries in Tamil Nadu are likely to create eight lakh new jobs in the next ten years, according to a CII Study on `Mapping of Human Resource Skills in Tamil Nadu'.

Currently, the IT industry in the State employs over 80,000 people. Considering the pace of growth, the industry will provide employment to around 4.50 lakh people by 2015. Similarly, the ITES industry, which employs around 65,000 people, is expected to generate employment for over 3.50 lakh people by 2015, the study said.

Special courses

The study recommends introduction of special training courses for arts and science graduates in the usage of computers, ITES skills and product selling skills to meet the increasing human resource requirements of the IT industries.

The study says that the IT and ITES industries would be among the primary growth engines. By 2015, the IT industry in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to annually grow at 19-20 per cent, could reach $17 to 20-billion, while the ITES industry, with an annual growth of 22-23 per cent, could become a $10-12 billion industry.

Key Skill Gaps

The study identified several key skill gaps in both IT and ITES industry. In general, these industries lack people with strong business process understanding, analytical skills, `learnability' - the ability to learn new applications quickly and to work with multiple teams in different geographies.

Executives with expertise in application skills, business analysis, project management, good communication and team building skills, cultural sensitivity and leadership are in demand in the IT industry. While, the premium skills in the ITES industry are strong understanding of technology tools, communication skills, processes and quality standards, among others.

Currently, the average annual output of an IT employee stands at around Rs 20-lakh and that of an ITES employee at Rs 15 lakh. The study says that though there will be significant improvements in the productivity level of IT and ITES industries, the increasing share of off-shore business and pressure on pricing will offset the productivity gains in the future.

Training for students

The CII urged educational institutions to provide training for students on time management, stress handling and communication skills. The institutions should explore the possibility of introducing apprenticeship for arts and science graduates. This will provide the students early exposure to IT and ITES jobs.

It also mooted the idea of creating an evaluation tool comprising a set of IT and ITES specific skill sets that are deemed necessary in any graduate applying for IT and ITES jobs.

More Stories on : Human Resources | Tamil Nadu

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page