The Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) and Hero MotoCorp have announced a joint initiative to train 20,000 women for roles in automotive sales and service over the next 15 months. The program aims to increase gender diversity in India's traditionally male-dominated automotive industry.
The training will focus on eight key positions including two-wheeler service technicians, electric vehicle service personnel, automotive sales consultants, and showroom hosts. The program will be implemented across multiple locations to ensure accessibility.
This initiative builds on Hero MotoCorp's existing CSR program "Hero WeCare," which has previously trained over 4,000 women through its Hero Saksham program. The company, which is the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has been working to increase workplace diversity in recent years.
India's automotive sector currently faces both a skills gap and gender imbalance. According to industry data, women make up less than 15% of the automotive workforce. The initiative aims to address both challenges by providing technical training and creating employment opportunities for women.
The automotive industry in India employs over 19 million people directly and indirectly, contributing approximately 7.1% to the country's GDP. The sector has been undergoing significant transformation with the introduction of electric vehicles and new technologies, creating demand for skilled workers.
ASDC, established in 2010, is a sector skill council focused on developing skilled manpower for the automotive industry. The council works with industry partners to create training programs aligned with current market needs and technological advancements in the sector.