Providing a platform for constant growth

What: Skill-building initiatives organized by Cognizant Academy, the training centre of software services vendor Cognizant Technology Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

When:Since 1997. The latest initiative, Catalyst, was launched in 2007.

Why:The company wanted to help employees upgrade their skills and grow as professionals. “At Cognizant, we constantly attempt to innovate and enhance our employee-friendly programmes and practices in order to provide our associates with the best platform for consistent growth,” says K. Venkataraman, director, Cognizant.

How Cognizant Academy works: The academy offers technical training and higher education as well as skill-building programmes. The company gives 14-week, entry-level training to all recruits on technical skills, communication and presentation skills, team dynamics, business etiquette and cross-cultural adaptability.

With Cognizant expanding its business in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, language classes in German, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese were started.

The academy also conducts theatre-based team-building programmes called Catalyst. It also has a training programme based on experiential learning called EmPOWERed. “We engage our trainees in preparing the learning material since this improves their ability to recall information,” says Venkataraman.

The result:The programmes have helped raise productivity besides ensuring greater employee loyalty towards the organization. According to Venkataraman, it has helped the company strengthen the unique Cognizant culture centered on drive, empowerment, opportunity and collaboration. “These programmes are instrumental in encouraging responsibility, commitment and excellence among our associates.”