One of the toughest challenges facing the organized sector today is the availability of skilled labour force. HR people are worried about the overall skill scenario confronting the organized sector. For instance, over the next 10 years, 30 per cent of the present work force will retire. In the service sector alone, a quarter of the million people who work for the financial services sector will retire over the next 5 years. This problem is more acute amongst the information technology companies as most of the companies in this sector are on a hiring spree to support their ambitious growth plans. Consequently, organizations are fine tuning their HR programmes to meet the challenges arising out of skill shortfalls. The HR plans of Infosys to surmount these problems deserve to be mentioned.
As part of its HR strategy, Infosys organizes the "Campus Connect" programme to improve the industry-readiness of students while they pursue a regular education. It has partnered with 250 colleges in India and four universities in China, and helped 188 faculty members with specialized courses. Further, to ensure availability of skills in line with their needs, it makes sure that the new employees undergo training for about 15 weeks before being deployed on engagements. To upgrade the skills of its staff across the board, it offers "competency certification programme," which is aimed at certifying its employees in various industry domains, technologies and project management processes. The certifications are mandatory for the future growth of employees.