The Electric Vehicle (EV) industry is gaining momentum globally. The increasing focus on sustainability and creating a cleaner, greener and safer environment has driven the world towards achieving the common goal of electric mobility. The unprecedented growth in the EV market on the back of technological advancements has created a demand for skilled workers who can effectively design and manufacture EVs as well as their infrastructure. However, the talent-skill gap is significant as the requirements of the ever-evolving EV market are not being fulfilled by the current workforce. Additionally, even educational institutes are unable to match pace with the industry’s dynamics. In such a scenario, the EV sector and the Indian auto component manufacturing industry suffer due to a severe shortage of skilled workers possessing technical expertise. To overcome this skill gap, education and vocational training can play crucial roles in equipping the workforce with essential competencies.
The talent-skill gap poses challenges for the EV industry
Today, traditional educational institutions often struggle to fulfill the talent requirements of industries like electric vehicles, where technologies keep on progressing and requirements keep on changing. While universities may provide foundational theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiences and specialized training in emerging fields like autonomous driving, robotics, etc., are missing. This leads to a significant skill gap within the industry, making it tough for companies to hire experienced professionals capable of spearheading the day-to-day operations, complex projects and crises independently. Let’s first understand the reasons leading to the skill gaps in the Indian market –
Lack of practical tools and techniques
Education institutes are unable to provide the tools and techniques needed to solve real-world problems in the industry. While they excel at offering fundamental knowledge in engineering and business, there is a lack of focus on specific domains and experiential learning that the EV industry requires.
Outdated curriculum and lack of flexibility
Educational curriculums often become outdated due to slow revision cycles, whereas industry dynamics and technology are ever-changing. This widens the skill gap as there is a mismatch between what students’ learning and industry’s requirements.
Limited exploration of new technology trends
Educational institutions are typically confined to theoretical approaches and seldom explore and experiment with new technology trends. This limitation is compounded by a lack of industry experts, infrastructure, tools, labs, and mentors.
Inadequate focus on leadership and soft skills
Education institutes often overlook the development of leadership, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship, and communication abilities. However, these skills are essential for creating futuristic industry leaders capable of introducing innovation and handling complex projects.
Strategies to bridge the skill gap
As per industry reports, as of May this year, there were only 5000-9000 active white-collar jobs with EV-specific roles, including designing, project management, charging infrastructure, and energy management. Some companies are already on the lookout for hiring for specialized roles of EV technicians, battery recycling experts, software developers, and manufacturing and engineering professionals. The staffing firms predict organizations will hire around 10-12 million employees over the next five to seven-year-tenure. This indicates the demand for qualified professionals will surge with the bolstering EV industry in the coming times. Hence, we need a robust strategy to bridge the skill gap and build futuristic industry-ready professionals for the sector. Here are some solutions to effectively deal with this challenge –
Creating advanced technology development centers
One way to bridge the gap is to establish Advance Technology Development Centers focused on hands-on training in upcoming technologies such as EVs, Connected Vehicles, Autonomous Driving, Robotics, etc. These centers could be modeled after successful initiatives like C-DAC, created in 1987 to meet the demand for Computer Engineering.
Strengthening industry-academia collaboration
Partnerships between educational institutes and industries can facilitate the development of specialized courses tailored to industry needs. Regular dialogues, internships, workshops, and collaborative projects can ensure a dynamic and relevant curriculum. The in-person interaction between industry experts and students can facilitate the exchange of first-hand accounts of the leaders’ experiences and provide learners with valuable insights into market trends, ongoing developments, its future, etc.
Leadership and soft skills development
Beyond technology, there is a need for programs focusing on soft skills, including leadership, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship, and communication. Imparting these skills will prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of the industry.
Investing in infrastructure and faculty development
Government, private investment, and industry collaboration can provide the necessary funding for cutting-edge labs and infrastructure. Recruiting industry experts as faculty can further create a rich learning environment that mirrors the real world.
Integrating Vocational Training
Vocational training programs offer a more extensive, practical and hands-on approach to skill development. Additionally, these programs cater equally to engineers, technicians, mechanics, etc. They cover a wide variety of subjects, running from EV fundamentals, designs and battery management to know how to repair and maintain EVs and futuristic technologies. Apprenticeship programs, co-op education, and specialized vocational courses can also make students job-ready. Hence, the collaboration between organizations offering such progressive courses with EV manufacturers, dealers, and service centers will ensure the curriculum stays abreast with the latest EV technology advancements and industry standards.
Positioning the EV industry as a progressive career choice
Providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the existing workforce will further ensure their smooth transition into the EV sector and help them gather insider insights. We also need to spread awareness about electric mobility as a viable career option for the youth.
However, implementing such initiatives requires careful planning and collaboration among government agencies, private organizations, and academic institutions. The EV industry also requires adequate funding and support from relevant stakeholders to develop state-of-the-art facilities and attract top talent. Additionally, continuous monitoring and evaluation are necessary to adapt to changes in technology and market demands.
To sum up
The EV industry’s transformation is both an exciting opportunity and a complex challenge. Education and vocational training must evolve to meet the industry’s fast-paced changes. By focusing on hands-on experience, collaboration with industry, leadership development, and integration of vocational training, we can create a workforce ready to drive the future of the Electric Vehicle industry. Initiatives like these are promising steps towards bridging the skill gap, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable automotive future.
