Revolutionizing recruitment: Kerala IT firms shift from campus placements to 'Launchpad'

Kerala's Information Technology (IT) firms are undergoing a transformation in their hiring practices, moving away from traditional campus recruitment towards innovative methods. This shift has been primarily driven by the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry.

Debates surrounding the impact of AI on IT jobs have been ongoing since the inception of this revolutionary technology. Now, it's evident that the integration of AI will lead to the disappearance of many job roles. Additionally, companies have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of fresh graduates hired through campus placements.

An official from an IT company revealed that approximately 70% of candidates recruited through campus selection are still awaiting their appointment letters. "Many of these newcomers lack the ability to undertake projects independently. They also face competition from IT professionals who have lost their jobs due to technological advancements and industry challenges," the official explained.

Recognizing the flaws in the campus recruitment process, IT firms in Kerala have decided to overhaul their hiring strategies. In line with this initiative, GTech (Group of Technology Companies), representing IT firms in the state, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), a professional association, have introduced 'Launchpad Kerala 2024', a novel platform aimed at identifying and recruiting fresh talent.

What is Launchpad?
Launchpad is a comprehensive two-month-long recruitment program conducted both online and offline. Participants will undertake tasks through 'MuLearn', an online platform managed by GTech. Upon task completion, candidates will earn points that will determine their suitability for recruitment. Over 100 IT firms in Kerala have pledged their support to this initiative. Eligible candidates include students pursuing B.Tech, BCA, MCA, and polytechnic courses in their final year.
A four-level programme
The recruitment process under Launchpad involves four distinct levels:

• Level 1: Candidates undergo a basic technical assessment.
• Level 2: Microsoft offers classes and tasks, with candidates required to score 1200 points.
• Level 3: Candidates select their preferred specialization, such as mobile application development, web designing, or AI. After completing assigned tasks, candidates can earn up to 1800 points.
• Level 4: An aptitude test is conducted to evaluate candidates' overall suitability.

Company selection
Following assessment, a rank-list will be published on the MuLearn platform based on candidates' points. Shortlisted candidates will then select a pool of companies for interviews. Interviews, conducted by three companies within the chosen pool, will be held at IT parks in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode by mid-June.

The Launchpad initiative represents a paradigm shift in freshers' recruitment, fostering a more inclusive and meritocratic approach towards talent acquisition in Kerala's IT sector. For further information and registration, visit the official Launchpad website at www.launchpadkerala.com.