Webinar on “Strategies for Soft Skills Development and Effective Placements” 

Chandigarh, June 30, 2022: Central Placement Cell in collaboration with NIELIT organized a webinar on “Strategies for Soft Skills Development and Effective Placements” for Training & Placement Officers of various Panjab University Departments today through online mode. More than 40 Training & Placement officers across various university departments attended the webinar.

The session started with an introductory address by Dr. Amandeep Singh Marwaha, Associate Director, Central Placement Cell. Prof. Meena Sharma, Director Central Placement Cell, welcomed the Resource Persons and Training & Placement officers. She apprised the audience about various activities undertaken by central placement cell like webinars, workshops and sensitization sessions for overall skills development and welfare of the students of Panjab University.

Prof Harsh Gandhar was the guest of honour. She highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in growth across various industries. Emphasising upon the grey area of skill upgaradtaion, she encouraged the TPO’s to enlighten the students and make them aware about the need and importance of these skill enhancement courses.

Sudhanshu Tiwari, executive director, NIELIT Chandigarh discussed about the domain independent courses and areas which NIELIT focuses on to enhance the skills of students. He emphasised upon various soft skills which could provide an extra edge to students and add value to their skillset.

Dr Amandeep Marwaha briefed the audience about the importance and need of skills among students. Distinguishing between the hard and soft skills, he emphasised upon the need to counsel students and gives them inputs by the TPO’s in order to help them build an effective resume.

Dr. Manish Arora, additional director and Ms Anita Budhiraja, Scientist ‘D’, NIELIT were the resource persons for the webinar. Dr. Manish addressed the TPO’s about the need for skilling to enhance employability. With numerical facts and figures, he addressed the audience about the skill deficit and inability of around 53% Indian companies in hiring suitable candidates. He emphasised that with the changing job roles and the changing demands in the industry 4.0 revolution, skill specific jobs are the need of the hour. He drew attention to the fact that this will only reduce the gap but will also give a boost to the economy. Ms. Anita stated the fact that in the new paradigm both academics and skills go hand in hand.

The session ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Amandeep Singh Marwaha, Associate Director, Central Placement Cell.