New Delhi, June 2023.

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) demonstrated its commitment to creating a pool of highly skilled trainers through the cluster-based Training of Trainers (ToT) project undertaken in collaboration with Automotive Sector Development Council (ASDC), GIZ-IGVET and Maharashtra State Skill Development Mission (MSSDS). The final 4 batches consisting of 98 trainers were certified through a convocation ceremony organized by ASDC in Pune. Developed as part of the National component of Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion(SANKALP), the trainers received dual certification following assessments by the Automotive Sector Development Council and IGCC (German certification agency). The ToT program covered trades such as Advanced Welding, CNC operations, Robotics, Quality Control, and Advanced Automotive Technology. Key stakeholders involved in the project included MSDE, Automotive SkillsDevelopment Council (ASDC), GIZ-IGVET, and Maharashtra State Skill Development Mission (MSSDS).

The certification ceremony saw the presence of Shri Nilambuj Sharan, Additional Secretary and Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, alongside esteemed individuals including Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO of Automotive Skills Development Council, Dr. Rodney Reviere, Project Head of IGVET, Ms. Meenu Sarawgi, EVP & Chief - Strategy & Operations ASDC,Shri. Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO, Tata Green Batteries & ASDC GC member,Shri. Suresh Londhe, Joint Director of Industries, Department of Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri. Sachin Jadhav, Additional Commissioner, Maharashtra State Skill Development Society and Mr. Sagar D. Shinde, Director of Sukhakarta General Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd. (SGECPL).

Conducted in collaboration with Sukhakarta General Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd. (SGECPL) in Pune, the ToT program successfully trained a total of 189 trainers across eight batches, which consisted of one-month classroom training followed by one-month on-the-job training. The initiative strengthened the public-private partnership in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) domain, upgrading the technical and pedagogical skills of trainers in line with industry 4.0 requirements. Moreover, it effectively bridged the skills gap by involving industry members in curriculum development.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Nilambuj Sharan, Additional Secretary and Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE said that "The Cluster-based ToT in the automotive sector is a unique example of synergy between public and private sector as well as industry alignment. The Cluster-based TOT project has been instrumental in providing skill training and upskilling opportunities for trainers in the automotive sector.I would like to appreciate active involvement of ASDC and the units in the Sukhakarta General Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd. for smooth and successful completion of the initiative undertaken through the World Bank aided scheme, namely, Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP). With rapid advancements and transformations within the industry, it is crucial to develop a highly competent set of trainers to prepare the workforce to meet the ever-evolving demands. He also congratulated the trainees who were awarded certificates on the occassion"

Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, emphasized the importance of upskilling in the competitive automotive sector, stating, " It is worth highlighting that the project is strategically located within one of the largest automotive clusters, comprising over 3,000 industries supporting auto Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across India and manufacturing auto components. This location offers a fertile ground for skills development and fostering industry growth. By continuously enhancing the skills of the workforce, we can drive innovation, efficiency, and excellence within the sector."

The ToT model was initially piloted in Aurangabad, covering three job roles—Advanced Welding, CNC operations, and Robotics—with one batch each and a total of 75 trainers. Currently, the project is being implemented in Pune, an automotive cluster with over 3000+ industries supporting auto OEMs across India. The Automotive Skills Development Council remains committed to continuously developing and upgrading automotive skills to drive higher value additions and integrate skills with academic pathways, making them aspirational.

Recognizing the crucial role of trainers in imparting knowledge, skills, and pedagogical techniques, the Center has prioritized Training of Trainers (ToT) programs as an integral part of the Skill India mission. These programs aim to build a competent and robust workforce across various sectors, multiplying the impact of skill development initiatives.