Pfizer onboards 103 women students for the 3rd edition of ‘Pfizer Autonomous Teams (PAT)’ Program in partnership with GITAM University

 

·         Pfizer Autonomous Teams is a path breaking bold move initiative to develop native grass root talent in the field of science and healthcare

·         One-of-its kind women only program aimed at developing multi-skilled workforce with a win -win approach for business, industry - academic partnership and the community

 

Vizag , 2023: Pfizer Healthcare India Private Limited has collaborated with Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) University, Vizag, to onboard 103 female students in its third cohort of ‘Pfizer Autonomous Team’ (PAT) program. PAT is a women-only program offering the students a Bachelor of Chemistry degree, with a focus on Microbiology – while gaining hands-on experience across different functions of the plant, putting their studies into action. The aim of this program is to enable the women students to become future-ready for a career in the pharma/healthcare sector.

 

Muralidhar Sharma, Vice President and Pfizer Global Supply Site Lead, Pfizer said, "The Pfizer Autonomous Teams’ Program has been an empowering program that endeavors to create the best and most-preferred learning experiences for future working professionals over these 3 inducted batches. The program offers a unique opportunity as the participants can gain three years of experience across all departments of pharma manufacturing while they pursue their bachelor’s degree education.”

 

PAT program was first launched in 2022 with 47 students, that was increased to additional 120 students earlier in 2023, and today another 103 students have joined this path-leading industry-academia program. We have plans to onboard more students in coming years.

 

The program aims at bringing more women workforce into the pharmaceutical industry while, attracting local students, who could be the future leaders of the industry. The average age of the program participants is 19 years old and all of them are from nearby district, thus fostering local talent development and skilling by Pfizer.

 

Building on Pfizer’s value of Equity and belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for, this program offers students the opportunity to “earn while they learn” during their training period. The Pfizer Autonomous Teams’ Program highlights the unique work-integrated learning model and aims to transform the learning experiences for students by helping them grow and take up roles across the organization.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Ravi Kiran Teegala, Director-People Experience, Pfizer Global Supply India said, “Over the previous two batches, we have seen how the PAT programme has given the students the opportunity to gain multiple skill sets in the modern work setting. Along with adopting a scientific approach while rolling out the program, including diagnostic study, four‑stage selection process, training, and developing the selected students in a holistic manner, Pfizer will continue to update the coursework to ensure that the course matches the industry standard and further strengthens the program.”

 

“Pfizer has onboarded the daughters of the soil, to impart practical knowledge and integrate them into their workforce. Our students will have an opportunity to learn and grow from the experts in the field as well as develop themselves academically in the field of science.,” said Prof. K.S. Krishna, Dean School of Science, GITAM.

 

 

 

“Thanks to Pfizer for putting trust in GITAM’s education quality and continue the relationship on this program. I am happy that our students will get the exposure to the best infrastructure and higher education that they deserve. Thanks to parents for coming forward to support your girl child in the education through this program,” said Prof. B Sreenivas Rao HoD, Chemistry, GITAM. [DA1] 

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