Pfizer, GITAM University Empower Rural Women with Employment through Pfizer Autonomous Teams Program
Unique one-of-its-kind ‘Earn as you Learn’ model enables financial independence along with academic growth
Visakhapatnam: To increase women representation in the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer Global Supply’s manufacturing unit in Visakhapatnam has partnered with Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) University, Visakhapatnam. Today, they announced the graduation of the first batch of women colleagues as part of the ‘Pfizer Autonomous Teams’ (PAT) program – a Bold Move initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for women at the grassroots level in a 36 month program.
This industry-academia collaboration between Pfizer and GITAM University is an initiative towards increasing women representation in science-based fields while providing them the opportunity to ‘earn as they learn’. As part of the program, Pfizer recruits’ female students locally to join its manufacturing workforce, while supporting them in continuing their education at GITAM University. The first cohort of 44 female students graduated from the university with a degree in BSc Chemistry, specializing in Microbiology. While all PAT students have been Pfizer employees from Day One, this marks a significant milestone as the graduating students now fully transition into their roles. At present, over 340 female students are part of the PAT program in Pfizer’s manufacturing unit in Visakhapatnam.
Commenting on the initiative, B Muralidhar Sharma, Vice President (Site Head), Pfizer said, “We are excited to see the first batch of students graduating from the Pfizer Autonomous Teams (PAT) program. As part of our commitment to providing learning opportunities for local women and increase their representation in science and healthcare, this empowering program offers a unique opportunity to all participating students. The program's 94% retention rate—where 44 out of the 47 students who joined us three years ago are graduating today—is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strength of the model. We are grateful to our partner – GITAM University for walking with us as we deliver the most-preferred learning experiences for our students.”
Dr. Errol D’Souza, Vice Chancellor, GITAM Deemed to be University said, “We are proud to partner with Pfizer on this unique initiative. It is courageous of the students to balance work and regular education, which is a testimony to the bold courage you all possess. By combining academic learning with hands-on industry experience, the program showcases the power of academia-industry collaboration. The curriculum—co-designed by GITAM and Pfizer—incorporates the latest technological inputs from Pfizer, taught by our faculty to ensure students are job-ready from the ground up. This model can help build a strong, skilled talent pipeline for the pharma industry. We also congratulate the families who have supported these young women in pursuing their dreams.”
The event was graced by Reshma Parida Sr. Director, People Experience, Pfizer Global Supply, Asia-Pacific and Africa & Middle East Region as a special guest. Prof. K. Vedavathi, Principal, GSS and Sri T. Ravi Kiran, Director, People Experience, PGS India presided the event.
Pfizer is committed towards building a diverse and inclusive workplace with gender diversity as the cornerstone of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. PAT is a one-of-its-kind program in India focused on providing a unique work-integrated learning model to the local women, thus nurturing local talent and providing ample opportunities for their growth.
