The German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz India has recently introduced an industry-focused Electric Vehicle (EV) module in its Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics (ADAM) course. Offered in collaboration with institutes, this initiative aims to create a comprehensive module that bridges skill gaps and creates an 'EV Industry Ready' employable talent pool.
To help understand how the ADAM course introduced in 2006 has evolved and how many students benefitted in terms of placements in the automotive industry, Mobility Outlook spoke to Shekhar Bhide, Vice President, Customer Services & Corporate Affairs, Mercedes-Benz India. He said Mercedes-Benz introduced ADAM back in 2006 in nine reputed institutes across India. The purpose of the course is to hone the students' skill set and introduce them to the latest technological advancements in the world of automobiles. Almost every year, the course syllabus is updated based on the movement in the automotive industry. For example, in 2019, a soft skill module was added to the syllabus, making the beneficiaries future-ready and service advisors. As an annual exercise, there is an entrance exam wherein 20 students who clear it are then sent to Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics training school.
So far, over 1,200 students have benefited from the ADAM course since its inception and successfully placed. Eight ADAM students are currently working with Mercedes-Benz India after working with various franchise partners and OEMs, he says.
EV Module
'Electric is the future of automotive and it is imperative that we drive ahead with upskilling and re-skilling initiatives for our talent pool. The objective of the module is to make them industry ready and create a robust e-mobility ecosystem. The new EV module of the ADAM course leverages Mercedes-Benz's global expertise to impart world-class training to our young generation, aspiring for an automotive career,' Bhide says.
Elaborating on the curriculum and the methodologies of teaching the EV Module, he said this module will be a part of a 12-month ADAM course. The course will be split into subtopics, designed to impart a holistic understanding of the latest cutting-edge EV technology at par with global industry standards. The module will impart knowledge about the advanced level of systems in the vehicle, awareness about the HV System and its measurements, and personal and vehicle safety. It will also allow the students to get hands-on practical expertise in EV technologies.
'We believe, there is a need for the present academic curriculums to be in sync with the rapid transition and evolving requirements of the Indian EV Industry. With the introduction of the EV module, we are addressing this specific requirement and will help create a pool of young talents, who will be instrumental in supporting the transition to e-mobility,' he affirms.
Servicing options in an EV are limited due to several factors, including a minimum number of moving parts demanding lubrication/ replacement and lesser damage because of minimal NVH. Therefore, should the module be customised? Bhide says that it is primarily the drivetrain that has been replaced with motors and other EV components. Thus, maintenance related to these areas reduces drastically; however, other systems like brakes, tyres, windshield wiping, battery cooling systems etc., require periodic maintenance. Then comes the concern of servicing a vehicle in a high voltage periphery. 'We are educating our students to take adequate care by using tools and personal protective equipment when working on high-voltage vehicles. Most importantly, the course entails knowledge of the functioning and networking for motor, battery, DC/DC, or AC/DC converters and analysing the same using Xentry system (computer diagnosis),' he adds.
Multiple Opportunities
The EV module will be a one-month course integrated into the ADAM course. While it provides the students with expertise and hands-on experience of advanced technology in mechanical and electronics skill set over 11 months, they will also have hands-on experience with the EV technologies. This will help open doors for the students across EV-specific and allied manufacturing sectors in the automotive industry, reiterates Bhide.
Mercedes Benz has introduced the first course with EV module at MKSS Women's College in Pune. According to the company official, beginning the course at a women's college is a testament to its commitment to promote a culture of diversity to offer equal opportunities to young aspirants to excel in automotive mechatronics.
'Today, all industries must move towards holistic view of diversity and inclusion–it is not only important for social and cultural reasons but also critical for business survival. Hence, to meet the growing demand for relevant talent needed to drive the next growth phase of Indian auto industry, one must have a diverse lens to build a comprehensive plan inclusive of skill development. Adopting a paradigm shift and seeing diversity as an opportunity to broaden the horizon of growth, productivity, and resourcefulness has become quintessential for industries and organisations,' he avers.
To address the evolving needs of the Indian automotive industry, the company hopes to customise courses aligned with global best practices. Once these students join the dealerships, it will arrange for a series of other EV training modules and refresher programmes, which cater to evolving trends in EVs.
'With the EV module, we are ensuring that the aspiring students are 'EV Industry Ready'. We will continue to work very closely with all institutes in setting up this comprehensive course that will create relevant opportunities for emerging talents from the region. Over the course of the year, we will introduce this module in all nine ADAM institutes. In the future, we are planning to go one step further by adding more advanced EV modules in the curriculum, which will increase effective EV training duration in the ADAM course,' concludes Bhide.