Swiggy Skills Academy will offer free access to learning and development courses to help Swiggy’s delivery workers. The company said the programme will help its delivery workers complete their education, and that over 24,000 children of delivery workers have already signed up for access to educational content.
Swiggy has partnered with Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organisation, to provide courses and certifications. It has also partnered with Google to use Read Along, a speech-based reading tool, to help children of delivery workers improve their reading skills.
A recent report revealed that gig workers in India are young, financially stressed, and largely uninsured, and that these “gigs” are increasingly becoming forced long-term commitments.
The courses — covering subjects such as English, IT, personal finance, and computer skills — are accessible through Swiggy’s delivery partner app. Additionally, delivery workers’ children, nieces and nephews will be able to access the platform to receive career counselling even after the delivery partner moves on from Swiggy.
The academy will also offer courses for those who want to explore new roles within Swiggy, like that of a fleet manager or team lead. Workers opting for these courses will also receive certifications from various national institutes and government bodies that Swiggy will partner with.
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The SoftBank-backed company has also collaborated with educational institutes and universities to help workers complete their matriculation, intermediate schooling, higher education, or professional certifications.
Girish Menon, head of human resources at Swiggy, said, “With Swiggy Skills, we have taken a step in fulfilling our responsibility towards our executives with the focus to create an opportunity for their growth and progress. Providing our delivery executives with an avenue for well-rounded learning and development not only benefits them in their current role but also plays a key role in their long-term aspirations and success.”
The programme’s announcement comes as the company has faced strikes in various metros over the past few months by delivery workers protesting against poor pay and working conditions.
