Auto Sector revs up to address employability issue

The vehicles on our roads are nearly as sophisticated as the ones running anywhere elseglobally. But the technical skills required to assemble or service them don't always match up. This could soon change. The auto industry is presenting an upgraded curriculum to meet the new on-road requirements.

For long, the industry has lamented the shortage of skilled workers . While technical training institutes churn out the numbers, their knowledge is often not up-to-date.

“Sophistication of today's vehicles – both passenger and commercial – has increased. Vehicles are focused on electronics. Candidates have to be trained for nearly six months before they become productive,” says Mr Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India. “When the industry is ramping up capacity, it is looking for quick deployment of talent.”

Overhauling the entire technical training curriculum may not be feasible. However, a bridge course in specific skills may be more apt, says Mr Sunil Chaturvedi, CEO, Automotive Skills Development Council. The council, in collaboration with auto experts , is ready with a programme that will set quality standards and competencies. The council is an offshoot of the National Skill Development Council. It has teamed up with the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and Federation of Automobile Dealers in this effort.

Companies such as Toyota Kirloskar, Bosch, TVS, M&M, Maruti Suzuki India and Tata Motors have pitched in with their ideas, says Mr Chaturvedi.
Revamped modules

Modules in machining, auto servicing and driving are ready for rollout in June-July. These will be introduced in select Industrial Training Institutes and technical training centres across the country. The bridge course, for 2-3 months, is targeted at final-semester students and diploma holders.

The council will also be responsible for faculty training, assessment and certification. Modules on welding, fitting and mechatronics are on cards.

In 8-10 years, the auto industry is set to triple its current market size. It will require 10 million more skilled people by 2020. Hopefully, the new initiative will take care of that, says Mr Ram.