In the rapidly evolving landscape of automobile technology, preparing for the future means developing a workforce ready to handle new technologies. With India at the forefront of this change, government bodies and private entities in the auto industry are joining forces to prioritise skill development.
The increasing adoption of electric and connected vehicles globally has prompted the auto industry to mobilise its resources to train manpower for the new automobile age. Two recent initiatives highlight this focus on training the next generation of automotive professionals.
Tata Motors has partnered with Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) to establish Automotive Skill Labs at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs). This initiative aims to equip approximately 4,000 students annually with practical automotive skills, with 30% of enrolled students being girls. The programme has set up 25 fully equipped labs across select JNVs in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These labs are designed to provide essential tools and training facilities for students.
The Automotive Skill Labs focus on secondary and senior secondary students from standards nine to 12, aligning with the vocational courses envisioned in the ‘National Education Policy 2020′. The programme provides students with essential subject knowledge, hands-on skills, and industry exposure within school premises. Students have the opportunity to visit Tata Motors’ plants, interact with service and dealership professionals, and attend lectures by industry experts to gain real-world experience and deepen their knowledge.
A testament to the programme’s effectiveness is an E-Rickshaw constructed by students at the Skill Lab in Pune, showcasing the practical skills they’ve acquired. Instructors teaching at these labs receive necessary training at Tata Motors’ plant locations, ensuring they can effectively impart knowledge to the students.
Upon completion of the programme, students receive joint certification from Tata Motors and NVS. This certification opens up two primary pathways for further education and employment. Students can pursue a Diploma in Manufacturing Technology, which includes a full stipend and on-the-job training at Tata Motors’ manufacturing facilities. Alternatively, they can opt for a BTech in engineering through a 3.5-year executive education programme in collaboration with select engineering institutes, leading to permanent employment after five years.
Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our Automotive Skill Labs empower youngsters from underserved communities with employable skills, relevant for the evolving automotive sector in India.” In another significant development, BYD India has partnered with the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) to launch the BYD EV Innovate-a-thon. This competition aims to promote skill development and foster creativity, teamwork, and innovation in the electric vehicle domain among engineering students from select institutes across India. The initiative recognises the immense potential of student-led innovations in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
The BYD EV Innovate-a-thon progresses through three challenging stages. It begins with a preliminary online quiz to test basic knowledge, followed by a digital prototype round where students can showcase their innovative ideas. The final stage involves physical prototype creation and a sales pitch, allowing participants to bring their concepts to life and present them convincingly.
The competition offers exciting prizes to motivate and reward participants. The winning team gets an opportunity to meet technology and sustainability experts at BYD headquarters in Shenzhen over one week. The runner-up and the team that comes in third receive cash prizes and trophies, acknowledging their efforts and innovations.
Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, was enthusiastic about the initiative. “We are thrilled to launch the BYD EV Innovate-a-thon in India, a country brimming with young innovators who are creating solutions for a better future. We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where the dreams of future engineers can meet the challenges of electric mobility,” he said.
F R Singhvi, President of ASDC, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of the BYD EV Innovate-a-thon. We believe this initiative will inspire students to embrace an innovative mindset, preparing them to create a sustainable future for all.”
The Automotive Skill Development Council, which supports this initiative, is promoted by key automobile industry associations including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA). It receives support from the Government of India through the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
These initiatives demonstrate the auto industry’s commitment to preparing a skilled workforce for the increasing adoption of electric and connected vehicles globally. By investing in education and innovation, these programmes aim to ensure that India’s automotive sector remains competitive in the rapidly changing technological landscape.
This feature was first published in Autocar Professional’s August 15, 2024 issue.