1. The Employability Crisis: Numbers Speak Loudly
Despite a surge in graduates entering the job market, employability levels remain low.
- Only 42.6% of Indian graduates are employable (Mercer|Mettl Graduate Skill Index 2025).
- 44.5% youth unemployment persists among 20–24-year-olds (India Skills Report 2025).
- Over 53% of graduates and 36% of postgraduates are underemployed (Economic Survey 2025).
Recruiters consistently highlight a skill mismatch: theoretical knowledge is there, but workplace readiness is missing.
2. Recruiter Observations: Why Freshers Get Rejected
A survey of hiring managers reveals why freshers fail interviews or job screenings.
- Soft Skill Gaps (62%) – Poor communication, lack of problem-solving ability, low confidence.
- Technical Skill Gaps (30%) – Inadequate hands-on exposure despite academic learning.
- Other Factors (8%) – Attitude, lack of clarity in career goals.
3. Soft Skills: The Missing Link
While colleges and training programs introduce soft skills, they often:
- Cover generic modules (CV writing, group discussions).
- Lack structured assessment to ensure learning sticks.
- Fail to align with what recruiters actually value.
- And since training isn’t targeted, candidates lose interest quickly, with attention spans dropping as varied, non-relevant topics are covered.
4. Introducing PowerUp Skills – The Recruiter-Centric Solution
PowerUp Skills is QE&D’s targeted program designed around 7 core competencies employers seek in fresh hires:
- Problem-solving & critical thinking
- Interpersonal & teamwork abilities
- Cultural fit & motivation
- Values & passion for excellence
- Work ethic & professionalism
- Adaptability & learning agility
- Communication skills
These competencies have been validated by recruiters of top companies, who confirm that this framework captures a candidate’s overall readiness and gives hiring teams a strong perspective on whether to move forward.
5. Why Our Approach Works
Certifying Your Skills, QE&D’s flagship program, follows a unique Assessment → Training → Certification model:
- Assess First
Each candidate is tested across the 7 PowerUp Skills. Detailed reports highlight specific growth areas. - Personalized Training
Focused workshops improve weak areas—communication, reasoning, adaptability—ensuring real improvement.
And because training is personalized and candidates know exactly where to improve, they are more motivated to engage and excel. - Earn an Accredited Certificate
Candidates scoring 80%+ receive an official certificate, a recognized proof of job readiness.
6. The Result: Skills That Stick + Proof That Counts
- Improved Interview Readiness – Candidates demonstrate job-ready skills.
- Credible Resume Boost – Certificates can be added to resumes, validating skills—a big plus since freshers usually have nothing substantial to showcase.
- Better Placement Outcomes – Candidates don’t just train; they prove their skills.
Why QE&D
At QE&D, we combine expert trainers, an assessment-first approach, and industry-recognized certification to bridge the gap between education and employability. Our trainers bring real-world experience, ensuring that candidates learn what recruiters value. With detailed assessments guiding personalized training and an accredited certificate to showcase skills, freshers gain a clear edge in a competitive job market.
For more insights on building career-ready skills, visit our blog