Sustainable Industry-Academia Partnerships for Skill Education in India – Episode 2

As part of a mini-series from NSN, leaders from prominent Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) were invited to discuss the pivotal role of sustainable industry-academia partnerships in shaping India’s skill education landscape. This discussion aims to strengthen awareness about the opportunities presented by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and geared towards initiating innovative collaborations between academia and the industry.

Click on the link below to the previous episode of the Conversation:
Sustainable Industry-Academia Partnerships for Skill Education – Episode 1

In the second episode, the discussion focused on integrating industry requirements into educational curricula under NEP 2020, focusing on the critical technology-driven changes in the industry, creation of new jobs, and more.

Moderated by Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and Director of NSN, the dialogue featured insights from:

• Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI)
• Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO, Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC)
• Mr. Ravikanth Yamarthy, CEO, Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC)

Here are some of the highlights from the episode. To watch the full episode, please visit our YouTube channel.

Sustainable Industry-Academia Partnerships for Skill Education in India – Episode 2

Navigating the Challenges of Technological Developments

Technological disruption is a constant in today’s fast-evolving world. From artificial intelligence to robotics, every industry faces the pressure to adapt. Learn how the respective sector skill councils are keeping up with these changes, educating people about emerging jobs, and upskilling those already in the workforce.

Adapting to Technology in the Electronics Sector

Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of ESSCI, emphasized the need to adapt technology and stressed the importance of being ready to meet these challenges. Since December 2012, ESSCI has trained and certified approximately 1.95 million candidates. Dr. Abhilasha Gaur highlighted that the council consistently updates its curriculum and training materials to align with industry needs.

“For instance, in consumer electronics, the devices we use today, such as refrigerators and LED TVs, come equipped with IoT and various sensors, significantly different from what we had a decade ago,” Dr. Abhilasha Gaur explained. “To address this, we have upskilling programs through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative.”

ESSCI also adopts a modular approach, creating short programs that address specific technological updates. For example, they have collaborated with companies like Havells to provide one-day training programs for electricians on new products, which include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Dr. Abhilasha Gaur also spoke about the integration of virtual labs and simulators in training programs. These tools allow students to gain hands-on experience with new emerging technologies, such as drones, in a controlled and safe environment before moving to physical devices. This hybrid learning approach, combining virtual and physical training, ensures comprehensive skill development.

“In collaboration with industry partners, we are also working on providing advanced software, like PCB design tools, to educational institutions at no cost,” Dr. Abhilasha Gaur added. “This initiative will help students gain practical experience with industry-standard tools.”

Transformations in the Automotive Sector

Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, shed light on the automotive industry’s recent transformations. For over a century, the industry primarily relied on petrol and diesel engines. However, the last couple of decades have seen a shift towards alternative energy sources, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EVs).

“India is now on par with global standards in terms of emission norms, safety standards, and vehicle specifications,” Mr. Arindam Lahiri noted. “We have moved to BS 6 emission standards, and our vehicles are being exported worldwide.”

The transition to electric vehicles presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of safety and skill requirements. ASDC has trained over 150,000 mechanics and is focusing on the safety aspects of handling high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles.

Skill Development for Electric Vehicles

Mr. Arindam Lahiri emphasized the importance of awareness and education programs related to electric vehicles. “There is a significant need to educate people about the risks associated with electric vehicles, such as electric shocks and battery fires,” he said. “Our training programs cover these safety aspects extensively.”

ASDC collaborates with educational institutions to embed EV-related modules into traditional automotive programs. This ensures that new entrants into the industry are well-versed in the latest technologies and safety standards.

The Role of Automation and Industry 4.0

Automation and Industry 4.0 are revolutionizing manufacturing processes. Mr. Arindam Lahiri highlighted the need for embedding smart manufacturing, automation, and robotics modules into existing training programs. “While automation might reduce some job roles, it creates a demand for skilled manpower to manage and maintain these automated systems,” he explained.

Integrating Electronics, Automotive, and Technology in the Logistics Industry

Mr. Ravikanth Yamarthy, CEO of LSC, shared insights on the profound impact of technology on logistics, leveraging both electronics and automotive innovations. He highlighted how logistics has evolved beyond traditional roles, integrating advanced technologies like automated warehouses and drone deliveries. Mr. Ravikanth Yamarthy emphasized, “With the advent of GST and technological advancements, logistics now encompasses diverse sectors like cold chain, warehousing, and global data management.”

Mr. Ravikanth Yamarthy elaborated on LSC’s innovative strategies to address the evolving landscape of logistics. Beyond traditional roles, LSC focuses on upskilling in emerging areas like cold chain logistics and data management. He highlighted the role of advanced technologies in optimizing warehouse operations and ensuring efficient supply chain management. Mr. Ravikanth Yamarthy emphasized, “Our goal is to equip professionals with not only technical skills but also the adaptability to thrive in a rapidly transforming logistics sector.”

The discussion highlighted the proactive efforts of sector skill councils in adapting to technological disruptions. By continuously updating curricula, integrating hybrid learning models, and focusing on safety and practical skills, councils like ESSCI, LSC and ASDC are ensuring that the workforce remains relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. These efforts reflect a commitment to embracing change and preparing for a future where technology and skilled manpower are integral.