The Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP), a joint body of IT companies in Pune, on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a Pune-based non-profit organisation, to help undergraduate students get prepared for placements.

"SEAP was planning to undertake an initiative for students for quite some time. We have found a valuable partner in FUEL which is working dedicatedly for student welfare. We hope that this partnership will help all students who want to make a successful career in IT and related fields," SEAP president and managing director, Synygy India Pvt Ltd, Chetan Shah said.

As the first step, SEAP has endorsed FUEL's fellowship programme ‘Ahead of Times’ for class XII students. The fellowship has been designed for students aspiring for professional degree courses, mainly engineering.

“A connect with the industry is very important for students when they are in the learning phase, which is why our tie-up with SEAP assumes extreme significance. It aims to enhance certain skills in students that will make them valuable professionals,” FUEL Chairman and Founder Ketan Deshpande said.

Apart from training in technical skills like the web, social media, productivity tools, etc. the students will also be trained in active citizenship and entrepreneurship, among others.

FUEL will also introduce all engineering branches to the fellows, help them in choosing the right branch, right college and also guide them on preparing for the four years of engineering.

Among other activities planned under the memorandum of understanding are organising a common placement platform for students in SEAP member companies, SEAP-Certified Test for screening students before interviews and mock interviews for third year engineering students to help them prepare for placements after graduation.

SEAP also plans to open student membership for those studying in engineering, management and other professional courses. Student members of SEAP will get exclusive invites to its programmes.

CONTACT INFO

For more details on the fellowship, students can contact FUEL's helpline numbers 9271213241 / 42 or info@studentsfuel.com. Students, colleges, training and placement officers, who wish to become a part of this joint initiative, can get details on secretary@softexpune.org.