At the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi, the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) held its Annual Conclave 2024 with great success. The event, with the theme “Collaborate, Empower, Accelerate, and Achieve,” brought together important automotive industry players, educators, training providers, policymakers, and business executives to have high-level conversations on the future of automotive skills development in India.
The chief guest of the ASDC Annual Conclave 2024 was Shri Ramdas ji Athawale, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Shri Athawale stressed in his speech the government’s dedication to using skill development to empower underprivileged areas.
He said, “The automotive sector provides numerous opportunities for India’s youth, and through efforts like ASDC’s programs, we can ensure these opportunities are inclusive. It is essential that we focus on training and certifying the next generation of professionals, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. F R Singhvi, President of ASDC, spoke about the critical role of skill development in addressing the challenges of the automotive industry. “As the automotive sector evolves, the need for skilled professionals becomes even more crucial. Today’s conclave has showcased the tremendous potential that can be unlocked when we empower individuals with the right skills and knowledge. This collaboration will not only accelerate progress but also ensure sustainable growth for the entire industry.”
Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, followed with his remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration to drive innovation. “The Indian automotive sector is experiencing remarkable growth, and with such rapid expansion, the support of a skilled workforce becomes crucial. This is where the culture of skilling and the role of ASDC become paramount. The future of our automotive industry hinges on how effectively we collaborate to empower both individuals and institutions. By working together, we can strengthen the skilling ecosystem and ensure that India remains competitive on the global stage,” he noted.
The ASDC Annual Conclave 2024 also included panel talks with notable voices from companies like Bajaj, Toyota, and Hero MotoCorp offering their thoughts on subjects including CSR collaborations for purpose-driven impact and accelerating skills for an inclusive India.
Bajaj has introduced the BEST (Bajaj Excellence in Skill Training) program, which focuses on robotics and automation for graduates and diploma holders, as part of its commitment to skill development.
As the program’s assessment and certification partner, ASDC Annual Conclave 2024 guarantees that candidates obtain globally recognized credentials that will improve their employability in the quickly changing automotive industry. This partnership is a prime example of ASDC and Bajaj’s shared goal of developing individuals who are technologically savvy and prepared for the future.
The Certified Candidates Convocation, which recognized the accomplishments and preparedness of candidates from ASDC’s flagship programs SAKHI SAKSHAM, SHAKTI, SANKALP-SAARTHI, and SANKALP-JEEVIKA for entry into the automotive industry, was one of the main highlights of the event.
With its targeted skilling programs, ASDC has significantly increased the number of women recipients, even outpacing the number of males. 45 talented young women who received training from ASDC brought a feeling of grandeur and inspiration to the occasion, demonstrating the life-changing and career-changing effects of these programs. Their accomplishments demonstrate ASDC’s dedication to promoting gender equality in the automotive sector and beyond.
Champions and experts from WorldSkills Lyon 2024 were also honored for their outstanding accomplishments on the international arena. The three individuals who received medals for excellence in automobile technology, car painting, and additive manufacturing were Praful Ankush Pendhari, Vikash, and Prem Vasanth Kumar.
Dhrumilkumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan, who won a bronze medal in the fiercely competitive Industry 4.0 category, were also honored. Their achievements to improving India’s standing at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 contests were honored in this special feature.
By honoring partners that have significantly impacted the skilling ecosystem, the ASDC Excellence and Special Recognition Awards ceremony underscored the value of teamwork in reaching industry benchmarks.
Mr. Singhvi reiterated ASDC’s dedication to developing India’s skilling environment in his concluding remarks. The talks today have strengthened the significance of group action and given us a clearer picture of the future. By working together, we can achieve excellence in the automotive industry, accelerate growth, and empower individuals.
The signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) intended to create collaborations that will bolster skill-building efforts nationwide marked the end of the conclave.
The occasion emphasized how important public-private partnerships are to meeting the changing demands of the automobile sector and becoming globally competitive.
