Amaravati, Nov 7 (KNN) To Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has signed an agreement with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) India to upskill technicians with the aim to develop EV ready workforce.

As electric vehicles (EV) are increasingly becoming a popular transport mode, it is crucial to have skilled technicians and a ready workforce on-board, a joint press note said.

The primary objective of this agreement is to develop a comprehensive institutional capacity and skill 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.

Under this agreement, both sides will aim 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 programme will include two technical training courses - EV repair and service technician; and EV charging station attendant. 

The training modules will help upskill marginalised youth to generate employment opportunities and create skilled manpower in the 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 in Pithapur Raja’s Government College, Kakinada.

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC said, “We are encouraging such an 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.”

“Inclusion of women in the workforce has always been challenging in the automotive industry, electric vehicles offer an opportunity for us to enhance women inclusion in the industry. We are extremely happy to see women participating, who want to take up careers in electric vehicle technician or service job roles,” he added.

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,”

Once the project is proven successful, the Automotive Skills Development Council is likely to then replicate the training programme in other smart cities.  (KNN Bureau)