The Annual Conclave 2023 by the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) in New Delhi on September 15 served as a significant milestone in advancing skill development in India’s automotive industry, fostering innovation, and driving the sector towards a brighter future.
The annual national gathering with a participation of over 500 representatives from both Indian and global automotive manufacturers, industry leaders, professionals, skilled workers, apprentices and officials of the Government, in the words of Vinod Aggarwal, President, ASDC sent out the message of automotive sector’s indispensable role in the country’s GDP. Approximately 20 million employees and technicians are currently linked to the industry. These distinguished attendees convened to deliberate on the pivotal role of the automotive sector in India’s growth trajectory and the industry’s expectations from the skilling ecosystem.
The theme of the event “Skilling – The Future Together” engaged the participants in meaningful discussions through enlightened panels and insightful keynotes throughout the day. Furthermore, the event aimed to foster engagement with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem at the state level.
The Conclave placed significant emphasis on equipping India’s youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving job market, improve job productivity, increase employability, and prepare for the technological advancements of the future. Industry experts united to share insights on building a robust skilling ecosystem by fostering collaborations with the industry and making skills an aspirational goal.
Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC warmly welcomed the guests and set the stage for the event. He informed that this year’s Conclave has a specific focus on state-level skilling initiatives and adaptable models for states and features enriching discussions with all of them.
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), provided the government vision and illustrated the global scenario and skilling needs.
He underscored the importance of skill development in the ever-evolving automotive landscape and in particular highlighted the role of electric vehicles (EVs) and other technological advancements, emphasising the need for a flexible credit-based education system to prepare the workforce for the future. He underlined the significance of digital infrastructure and financial support for fostering innovation in the electric vehicle sector.
A key panel discussion held at the ASDC Annual Conclave 2023 revolved around the necessity for organizations to embrace digitisation, reinvent practices, and prepare for a future characterized by constant change. Panel members emphasised the importance of clear strategy, strong leadership, and collaborative skills as essential tools for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive sector. Industry experts united to share insights on building a robust skilling ecosystem by fostering collaborations with the industry and making skills an aspirational goal. ASDC has added 13 new courses focusing on emerging technologies and industry-demanded expertise.
Vinod Aggarwal, President, ASDC, listed the annual updates of ASDC and talked about automotive sector’s indispensable role in the country’s GDP. He lauded the exceptional work undertaken by the ASDC team during the past year and emphasized the critical importance of industry investment in workforce development to enhance competence and Productivity in a rapidly evolving environment.
The event also recognized the skill initiatives of Assam, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Annual awards and other recognitions including certification form apprentices also featured in the conclave.
