Concerned over shortage of skilled manpower for IT as well as other industries, software major Infosys will spend around $4 million for its educational initiative ‘Campus Connect’, aimed at enhancing quality of engineering students in the country.

The company is also looking at expanding its ongoing training programme, under which it trains students belonging to backward classes, enabling them access to advanced technical know-how.

"Under this initiative, we select students under a specific educational eligibility criteria, and provide them with technical as well as personality development training," Infosys HR Head Mohandas Pai said.

On completion of the training, the company hires the students, based on performance.

"Last year, we carried out such training initiative for our BPO Progeon, which was attended by 65 students and around 35 of them are working with us now," Pai said.

The company is carrying out this initiative in parts of North and South Karnataka.

"We have observed that most of these students basically lack confidence. We give them opportunity to strengthen their skills and it is earning good returns," he added.

The company has also earmarked $100 million this year for training its personnel.

"We are developing a large training facility at Mysore, which will permit us to train around 9,000 personnel at one place. The facility will consist of 250 fully developed rooms along with all entertainment and recreational arrangements," Pai added.

( www.financialexpress.com)