Sector to focus on AR-VR based skill training culture: Secretary MSDE
After a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic, the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), India’s first sector skill council for the automobile industry, successfully organised a skill-oriented brainstorming session titled Partners Forum 2022. The session was inaugurated by Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, MSDE at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairperson NCVET, Ved Mani Tiwari, COO, and acting CEO, NSDC, were also present on the occasion as Guests of Honour. ASDC launched a career guidance book for the students by which youth can get in-depth details about the opportunities in the automobile sector and also new trends of 3D printing and robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, how digitisation is changing the industry drastically, and creating new business models.
Vinod Aggarwal, ASDC President, welcomed the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour warmly and described the event’s objective. In his Chief Guest address, Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized reskilling the roadside mechanics and appreciated ASDC’s initiative focused on globally competent trainers with dual certification. “It is pertinent that we promote AR-VR-based skill training for the automotive sector, imbibe the culture of learning, and focus on multi-skilling, as these initiatives will empower our youth and promote nation-building”, Aggarwal said. He further emphasized on the need for a dynamic skilling environment, exposure to industry requirements (reskilling, upskilling) and NSQF alignment with industry needs.
“We will work closely with the Armed Forces in the implementation of the Agnipath scheme as the country prepares a future-ready army of young Indians. Some skills learnt on the job will have direct equivalence with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) syllabus and Agniveers will be given Skill India certification while in service”, he added.
Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairperson, NCVET, said that the council is working closely with AICTE, UGC and Sector Skill Council for making an excellent skill ecosystem. “We have developed and recognised 16 different QPs that align with 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.
Ved Mani Tiwari, COO and acting CEO of NSDC, stated: “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. We must restructure our job descriptions to better reflect the demands of the modern workplace. 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”.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Vinod Aggarwal said: “The Indian automotive industry today is at the forefront of global industry practices, both in terms of adoption of the latest technology as well as fostering innovations through integrating safety and performance of vehicles produced in India. The industry stands tall in supporting the initiatives of Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
“In order to continue its leadership position, it needs a constant source of skilled manpower as well as focus on upskilling and reskilling its existing workforce. The theme for this year’s Partner Forum 2022 is “Sahayogita se Atmanirbharata” which sums up the need for collaboration of all stakeholders – industry, government, training institutions and potential candidates to collaborate; this is what we believe will have a significant contribution in building Atmanirbhar Bharat”, the ASDC President further added.
Discussions were held by the different industry expert and panelists on four key topics, namely, outcome driven training, strengthening the skill process, new opportunities in EV training and Industry 4.0.