Nasscom is planning to introduce a human resource training certification and an assessment program for business process outsourcing firms in two to three months, which it hopes will become an industry standard.

The industry body is partnering with Hewitt Associates, a HR consultancy firm, which has submitted a program for certification of entry-level employees in the BPO industry.

"We are working towards greater industry and university interaction so that graduates will be trained in the latest industry practices making them ready for employment by the IT industry," said Kiran Karnik, president, Nasscom.

It hopes that the certification, which is to be endorsed by all top BPO firms, will increase the supply of talent for the industry.

Nasscom is also working with QAI India Ltd to develop quality middle management for the BPO industry.

"Most of the middle managers working in BPO companies have experience which is as low as six months. This program will help to train middle managers in soft skills such a people management and group dynamics," explained Karnik.

Nasscom is partnering with University Grants Commission(UGC)and state universities to introduce industry relevant modules into the degree curriculum so that students will have specific BPO industry required skills.

"Corporations will also be encouraged to fund relevant research in universities. We hope that this initiative will help attract and retain top talent in the faculty ," added Karnik.

There are other plans to bring together industry and university closer by having students intern with them even at the degree level. This initiativewill give students a first hand understanding of industry needs.