July 17, 2024: FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and one of the world's largest express transportation companies, has teamed-up with Magic Bus India Foundation, to address the digital skills gap and employability challenges in India. This collaboration aims to upskill nearly 400 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, with a priority on enrolling female graduates from underserved communities in Hyderabad. This initiative supports the Indian government's strategic emphasis on nurturing a thriving pool of tech talent.

An intensive 75-day curriculum has been created to upskill these youth in leading-edge Cloud Computing and allied technologies, along with transferable life and employability skills. Cloud Computing is a leading technology trend rapidly being adopted across businesses, making it an in-demand skill.

The curriculum will be delivered through in-person sessions conducted by expert technical and life skills trainers, facilitating a collaborative learning experience through group activities and teamwork.  The digital skilling program includes periodic employer engagement sessions with industry and sector experts, providing youth with practical insights into various entry-level IT/ITeS jobs. The program offers mentorship to help youth strengthen their professional profiles, and interview preparation skills. The course culminates with an industry-relevant project and an opportunity to earn a global certification to showcase the participants acquired skills and knowledge. Upon course completion, participants receive placement assistance for entry-level jobs in IT/ITeS sector and post-placement support to ensure long-term job satisfaction and performance in the workplace.
“At FedEx, we recognize the immense potential of India's youth and their crucial role in shaping the future,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President Marketing and Air Network, Middle East Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx. “Developing a rich pool of skilled professionals is essential for driving innovation and growth. Our support not only prepares the youth for immediate job opportunities but also instills the adaptability and knowledge required to thrive in today’s competitive professional landscape. This initiative reinforces our belief that by nurturing youth skills, we are creating the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, ensuring sustained progress and growth."

 Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “We are committed to implementing our shared vision with FedEx to empower youth from underserved communities through our digital skilling program, preparing them for the thriving IT/ITeS sector. This collaboration marks a significant step in developing a future-ready workforce, ensuring that these young individuals are prepared for the evolving job market. By equipping them with life and employability skills, we aim to empower them on their journey towards economic empowerment.”

 These joint efforts aim to create a transformative impact by enabling youth to acquire valuable skills, secure employment, and achieve economic stability. By empowering young people to make informed career and life choices, the program enhances their individual agency, encouraging them to support their families, move out of poverty, and become role models and change agents within their communities.

 FedEx has a longstanding history of supporting educational and skilling initiatives, exemplified by programs like the FedEx Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC). This program enhances student’s understanding of global trade and helps them develop market entry strategies through team activities and workshops. Since its introduction in India in 2021, the program has engaged over 2,000 students, with 24 representing India at the Asia Pacific finals.

About Federal Express Corporation:
Federal Express Corporation provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With an annual revenue of $88 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

About Magic Bus India Foundation:
Magic Bus India Foundation is one of the leading NGOs in the education and skilling space in India. Over 25 years, the organisation has established its presence across 23 states and UTs of India. Magic Bus works with young people from underserved communities between the age group of 12 to 25 years, providing them with life skills and employability skills. The NGO offers two distinct life skills programmes – the Adolescent programme and Livelihood Programme.

The Adolescent Programme is designed to empower adolescents (12-18yrs) with life skills and education enhancement, ensuring they complete their secondary education. The organisation has established an impressive network of 335 Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and has partnered with 8 state Governments. The Livelihood Programme equips youths (18-25 years) with transferable skills that enhance their employability and enable them to enter the sustainable workforce. Magic Bus has established 117 Livelihood Centers, 1052+ college partnerships, and multiple Entrepreneurship Incubation Centers to support aspiring entrepreneurs from underserved communities.

Over the past 25 years, Magic Bus has empowered over 30 lakh adolescents and 3.7 lakh youth, enabling their transition from childhood to livelihood.

For more information, visit: https://www.magicbus.org/