The Consortium for Technical Education (CTE) and Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) have joined forces to establish a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology and Cyber Security. This collaboration aims to enhance employability skills, promote research and product development, and provide hybrid training programs. The hybrid training programs will encompass a wide range of interactive video-based courses, complemented by hands-on virtual labs managed on CTE's advanced learning management platform. Additionally, webinars, in-person lectures, seminars on software, and cyber security products and technology trends will be offered to students, unemployed youth, and IT/Cyber security professionals in Andhra Pradesh.

The APSSDC and CTE partnership aims to establish Centers of Excellence in IT and Cyber Security across multiple locations in Andhra Pradesh, in phases. As part of this collaboration, the partners will provide access to the latest software and cybersecurity products, develop customized courses, supply qualified trainers, and offer joint certifications and industry-recognized credentials to universities, colleges, schools, and government IT departments in the state.

The primary objective of this project is to offer skill development programs and training opportunities that cater to the evolving needs of the IT and Cyber security industry. K. A. Alagarsamy, Director of the Consortium for Technical Education (CTE), expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with APSSDC to establish the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology and Cyber Security. This initiative will equip students and unemployed youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the ever-evolving IT and Cyber security landscape. Our partnerships with various state governments will help advance the mission of making India the Global Digital Talent Hub."

These initiatives will expose students and unemployed youth to real-world scenarios, emerging technology trends, and industry best practices, thereby equipping them with practical skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the job market, according to the partners of the memorandum of understanding (MOU). Dr. Ravi Gujjula, Chief General Manager - Technical of APSSDC, has been appointed as the Nodal Officer to collaborate with CTE in developing and delivering various skill development programs in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Vinod Kumar. V, IAS, MD & CEO of APSSDC, shared his views on the collaboration, saying, "Our partnership with CTE signifies a crucial step towards empowering the youth of Andhra Pradesh and meeting the demand for skilled IT and Cyber security professionals. By aligning our programs with industry needs, we will ensure that our training programs foster innovation and overall economic growth, leading to the betterment of society."