The rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India has been transformative, fuelling the country’s growth as a hub for skilled talent. To meet the increasing demand for specialized skills, collaborations between GCCs and academic institutions—especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—have become crucial. These partnerships are reshaping India’s workforce and ensuring that GCCs have access to a steady stream of qualified professionals. Drawing from my experience at Acclaris (now part of Willis Towers Watson) and newer initiatives like Symbiosis Skill University, let’s explore how these collaborations can be optimized.
My Experience with Acclaris: Building Talent from the Ground Up
Back in 2007, at Acclaris, we realized that relying solely on top-tier universities to meet our talent needs wasn’t sustainable. We needed to “build” talent, not just “buy” it. After facing challenges with Tier 1 universities in Kolkata, we partnered with Burdwan University, a promising & forward-looking institution about 100 km from Kolkata.
Together, we launched the BUAcKLab (BU Acclaris KPO Lab), a three-month skill program for M.Com students. The program included two months of classroom training at Burdwan University and one month of on-the-job training (OJT) at Acclaris, providing students with hands-on experience in U.S. accounting processes.
Key Features of BUAcKLab:
• Joint Curriculum: Co-taught by Burdwan University professors and Acclaris senior executives.
• Simulated Environment: During OJT, students worked on dummy financial samples, creating a real-world experience.
• Certification & Placement: Graduates received joint certification and were considered for hiring at Acclaris, with many finding employment in top companies like Capgemini and TCS.
BUAcKLab successfully recruited over 150 students and garnered accolades like the AMCHAM CSR Award & Great Place to Work Award apart from being acknowledged at the GRI Global Conference in Amsterdam in 2008. It was a clear example of how academic collaboration can create a talent pipeline in Tier 2 cities.
The New Wave: Symbiosis Skill University’s G.E.S.P.
Today, initiatives like Symbiosis Skill University’s GCC Employability & Skilling Program (G.E.S.P.) are further driving the GCC-academia partnership. G.E.S.P. focuses on training students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that a wider talent pool is prepared for the workforce.
The program offers:
• Customized Curriculum: Courses tailored for roles like Financial Analyst, Business Analyst, and Global Banking Operations Executive
• Hybrid Learning: A mix of classroom sessions and on-the-job training
• Wider Reach: Available in cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, targeting students from smaller towns and rural areas
• CSR-Funded: The program is fully funded by CSR, making it accessible to underprivileged students.
By focusing on underserved regions, G.E.S.P. ensures that more students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in GCCs, creating a win-win for both the workforce and the industry
Maximizing the Impact of GCC-Academia Collaborations
For GCCs and academic institutions to fully benefit from such collaborations, the following strategies are key:
1. Tailored, Industry-Relevant Programs: Courses should directly align with business needs. Collaboration between academia and industry ensures that the curriculum is practical and up-to-date.
2. Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities: Smaller cities hold immense untapped potential. Investing in these regions helps bridge regional skill gaps while diversifying the talent pool.
3. Active Industry Involvement: Senior executives should participate in teaching and mentoring students, ensuring the curriculum is relevant and aligned with real-world needs.
4. On-the-Job Training: Combining classroom learning with OJT creates a seamless transition from education to employment, ensuring students are job-ready.
5. Sustainable Partnerships: Long-term collaborations between academia and industry allow for continuous adaptation to changing market needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.
Conclusion: Empowering India’s Future Workforce
As the demand for skilled professionals in GCCs grows, collaboration between academia and industry will play a crucial role in shaping India’s workforce. Initiatives like BUAcKLab and G.E.S.P. are excellent examples of how these partnerships can create a robust talent pipeline that spans beyond metropolitan areas, ensuring that GCCs have access to the skills needed for success.
By focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, GCCs can tap into a vast, untapped pool of motivated talent. These collaborations not only help companies meet their talent needs but also contribute to the broader economic development of India, creating a skilled workforce that is ready to drive the growth of the future.
Disclaimer: This is not a featured or sponsored post. GCC Pulse personally invited the author to share insights based on experience and expertise. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any past or current employers.