Going for the skill: Helping youths land better jobs

Hyderabad: While the demand for

jobs

is ever growing, the skills fresh graduates possess are often found wanting.

Gampa Nageshwar Rao

realised this was true for almost all generations over past many decades. He also understood that youths, despite being armed with various Bachelors or PG degrees, either lacked confidence or direction.

Rao, 58, says, “I drove autorickshaws. I used to distribute milk and newspapers to afford an education. Nobody was there to guide me when I was young. When I completed my education, I knew I had to do something to support others like me.” He knew that youths needed to be armed with soft skills to excel in their careers.

About 22 years ago, Rao, set up ‘Impact’, a foundation that provides free training to youths in public speaking, spoken English, positive body language, entrepreneurship, and even guidance in how to build a resume.

“The training sessions we provide are free of cost. People only have to register themselves on our website,” says Rao, who is an LIC employee. Under the foundation, he conducts various programmes where he helps graduates develop their soft skills.

The training programmes are held in collaboration with professionals from different fields.

“We have several groups on social media so that we never lose contact with those coming for our sessions. These groups also include professionals from different walks of life who can reply to the queries,” says Rao. A young participant at his training programme, said he has realised that instead on just focusing on educational degree, youths must focus on ethics and job satisfaction.

“I met Mr Rao 10 years ago,” says 34-year-old Sai Satish, who is an ethical hacker. “I was a fresh graduate who lacked confidence and communication skills. He helped me rebuild my confidence. Today, I have a very positive approach towards life, and I own a software developing company of my own.”

The intention behind this initiative, says Rao, is to show the young minds that there are may options in life, which they can explore if they develop their skills.


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