The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the sole skill council of India for the auto industry, has partnered with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) India, a leading research and consultancy organisation, to develop a comprehensive institutional capacity and skills development program for electric mobility with a focus on public transport in Kakinada Smart City, Andhra Pradesh. 

This initiative is being conducted under the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) funded by the UK government. The UK PACT program is being executed under the auspices of Kakinada Municipal Corporation.

With the rising consumer and market demand for electric vehicles in India, particularly two- and three-wheelers, there is also a growing demand for skilled technicians and an EV-ready ready workforce. This project aims to overcome the institutional capacity gaps in a future where electrified public transport is envisioned to be an important constituent of smart cities.

The skilling program includes two technical training courses – EV repair and service technician; and EV charging station attendant. The training modules aim to upskill marginalised youth to generate employment opportunities and create skilled manpower in electric mobility segment.

The two technical training modules are being offered to 66 eligible candidates fulfilling the minimum educational criteria. The training is being conducted at  Pithapur Raja Government College, Kakinada.

ASDC envisions making India self-sufficient in the availability of skilled personnel for sustaining growth and increasing competitiveness of the domestic auto industry. 

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC said: “As a council, we are encouraging such initiative by providing practical training, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities to the program students to make the workforce industry ready. Making automotive job aspirants future-ready skilled in electric vehicle technology will help optimise employment opportunities.”

He added, “Inclusion of women in workforce have always been challenging in the automotive industry and EVs offer an opportunity for us to enhance the women inclusion in the industry. We are extremely happy to see women participation, who want to take up a career as electric vehicle technicians or in service job roles.”

Krithika P R, Project Manager, RTI added, “EV penetration is set to increase in Kakinada, and we found that there is a lack of skilled workforce which can repair and service light electric vehicles such as electric two-and-three-wheelers. There is also a need of skilled operators that can carry out operational tasks at an EV charging station. Further, there are significant opportunities for livelihood enhancement of women. This led to the formulation of two customised training courses for the economically weaker sections in Kakinada to function as EV mechanics and charging station operators. This training program can be replicated in other smart cities as well.”