The Indian automotive industry today is at the forefront of global industry practices, both in terms of adoption of latest technology as well as fostering innovations through integrating safety and performance of vehicles produced in India.
Speaking at the Automotive Skills Development Council’s (ASDC) Partners Forum – 2022, Vinod Aggarwal, President, ASDC also said, “In order to continue its (India) leadership position, India needs a constant source of skilled manpower as well as focus on upskilling and reskilling of its existing workforce.”
The forum, which was held after a gap of two years, was inaugurated by Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in New Delhi. Dr Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairperson, National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and Ved Mani Tiwari, COO and acting CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) were also present on the occasion as Guests of Honour.
The theme for this year’s Partners Forum 2022 was “Sahayogita se Atmanirbharata”.
Alongside the forum, the sector skill council for automobile industry also launched a career guidance book for the students with in-depth details about the opportunities in automobile sector.
Vinkesh Gulati, Treasurer, ASDC, said the auto industry is seeing a lot of disruptions both on the manufacturing and the retailing side due to the supply shortages currently witnessed by the industry. “Managing ancillaries has become one of the most important aspect toady for the OEMs,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Aggarwal said it is pertinent that we promote AR-VR-based skill training for the automotive sector, imbibe the culture of learning, and focus on multiskilling, as these initiatives will empower our youth and promote nation-building. Aggarwal added that India has millions of mechanics who don’t have a certificate or degree. The auto industry should make collective joint campaigns to skill these mechanics and the upcoming ones too.
Tiwari, on the other hand, said, “The demographic dividend for India is at its peak right now. Our trainers will need to be trained in the delivery of content using digital technologies and digital content.” Job descriptions must be restructured in order to better reflect the demands of the modern workplace, he said.
“A nation that is skilled and empowered will be the result of the introduction of a digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood, as well as the establishment of e-laboratories,” Tiwari added.
In his speech, Kalsi noted that ASDC is working closely with AICTE, UGC and Sector Skill Council for making excellent skill ecosystem. “We have developed and recognised 16 different QPs that align with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). All the QPs like AI, robotics, IoT, cyber securities, etc are dedicated for the Industry 4.0. We have also recognised two days micro skilling training, that will help the young to get skill certification,” he said.