Train-and-Hire Program - India

A key programme strategy is public-private partnership. The programme relies on collaboration with more than a dozen private nonprofit NGOs, which were selected on the basis of the strength of their institutional capacity, the seriousness of their mission to create sustainable job opportunities, the efficacy and impact of their efforts in serving their target communities, and their ability to implement low-cost IT training courses. Datamation maintains a close working relationship with its partners through regularly scheduled staff meetings and frequent opportunities for communication and feedback. It also provides technical support to partners (including hardware and software development, website design and maintenance, and tech support). Partner NGOs have independent funding sources.

Partner NGOs offer free or low-cost 6- to 8-month IT training courses to marginalised groups of women. These courses cover basic computer operation, various software applications (including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), and the fundamentals of software development. Efforts are made to provide training in local languages; knowledge of English is not a prerequisite for hiring. Also offered is life skills training in topics such as healthcare, communication skills, professionalism and work ethic, and knowledge of worker's and women's rights. This training reflects the organisers' strategy of addressing seriously disadvantaged women's needs more broadly with the hope of ensuring success in the work world.

Successful graduates of the training course can apply for entry-level jobs with Datamation. The women are not given preferential treatment in the hiring process and must pass the same testing process as all other hires. Graduates who are hired receive ongoing mentoring and training focussed on professional etiquette, stress management, communication skills, life skills, and new developments in technology.

To cite one example of such a partnership, Nari Raksha Samiti (NRS) provides free computer training sessions for women in low-end yet high-demand labour skills such as data entry. Datamation has hired 140 such women, which comprise 10% of its work force.

Women, Technology, Economic Development.

According to organisers, in India, low literacy rates, traditional gender roles, lack of marketable skills, and lower educational levels make it difficult for women to find employment, especially skilled or technical jobs. Women often must settle for jobs that are low paying. This problem is compounded for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often find themselves confined to jobs with little security or growth potential. Women have not entered the IT job market in significant numbers thus far; those who have found jobs there earn approximately 88% more than women in non-IT jobs.

Established in 1987, Datamation is a multi-service data processing and consulting firm that describes itself as having a strong commitment to social responsibility.