SIAM Hosts Workshop on EV Skill Gaps and Launches Key Report

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) recently organized a significant workshop under its Electrification initiative. Themed "Charging Ahead – Empowering an EV-Ready Workforce in India’s Automobile Sector," the event focused on addressing the skill gaps in India's rapidly growing Electric Vehicle (EV) sector. The workshop took place in New Delhi and was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, along with other prominent speakers, including government officials, industry leaders, and policymakers.

The event began with a lamp lighting ceremony, followed by the unveiling of the “SIAM EV Talent Landscape in India: Bridging the Skill Gap for 2030” report. This report, prepared by SIAM with Deloitte as the knowledge partner, was launched by Shri H D Kumaraswamy. The report outlines the technical skills needed to drive innovation and excellence in the EV ecosystem by 2030, highlighting 40 key competencies in EV batteries, powertrains, regenerative braking, and software-hardware integration.
Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized SIAM’s commitment to economic growth, decarbonization, and road safety in India. He highlighted the organization's initiatives in promoting sustainable transportation through various programs.

Key Addresses

Chief Guest’s Address

In his keynote address, Shri H D Kumaraswamy highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce to support the growing EV sector. He stressed the need for training and education to meet the industry's talent demands and assured government support for the auto industry. He also mentioned the recently launched Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024), with a budget of INR 500 crore, aimed at accelerating EV adoption in India.

Guest of Honour’s Insights 

Mr. Sudhendu J Sinha, Advisor at NITI Aayog, emphasized the need for skilling the workforce to make India a global hub for electric mobility. Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, also praised SIAM for identifying the necessary skills and gaps in the EV industry.

Industry Leader’s Perspectives

Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM and MD & CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles, expressed the goal of creating a skilled workforce to navigate the evolving auto technology landscape. He emphasized the importance of collaboration for a sustainable future.

Industry Commitment

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, highlighted the industry's investment of ₹80,000 crore in developing a robust EV ecosystem. He stressed the need for 1-3 lakh skilled professionals to achieve EV goals by 2030.

Skilling Initiatives

Mr. Sushant Naik, Chairperson of the SIAM Electric Mobility Group, noted the industry's significant progress, with 16 lakh EVs sold in 2023-24. He emphasized the importance of skilled professionals in maintaining this momentum.

The workshop concluded with a rich exchange of ideas and strategies, fostering collaboration between government officials and industry experts. SIAM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the EV sector’s growth and promoting skill development and innovation. The event highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to build a sustainable and skilled workforce for the EV industry.