Foodtech unicorn Swiggy on Monday launched an accelerator programme for its delivery executives to transition into full-time, managerial-level jobs with a fixed salary and additional benefits. The programme, named “Step-Ahead” is aimed at giving an opportunity to those executives who want to move from their current blue-collar delivery work role to a dedicated white-collar managerial role.

To be eligible for the role of a fleet manager, a Swiggy delivery executive must hold a college degree, possess communication skills and basic computer knowledge and should have been delivering with Swiggy for a few years, the start-up said in a statement.

This “Step Ahead” programme will help executives to move from current work role to dedicated managerial role

Managing a fleet of delivery executives, the fleet managers will be responsible for different roles like maintaining metrics such as login hours, cancellations, resolving queries, and working on special projects for delivery executives. The start-up’s decision to launch an accelerator programme for delivery workers comes at a time when hyperlocal delivery firms have been criticised for ignoring employment rights since workers have very little mediation power with the company. Delivery workers are strictly hired by start-ups such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Dunzo on a contractual basis off the payrolls, and hence are considered freelancers (or gig workers).