Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is spearheading a transformative initiative to empower women through skill development in the automotive industry. In the current financial year until February, ASDC has successfully trained 65,465 women across various job roles. This includes 31,513 women trained under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), 18,026 at the school level, and 15,926 under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Short-Term Training (STT) programs. With the automotive industry undergoing rapid advancements, women’s participation in shaping its future has increased significantly. Traditionally underrepresented, the female workforce in the sector has grown from 9% in 2010 to approximately 15% in 2023, as per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). ASDC is committed to bridging the skills gap and fostering inclusive growth by equipping women with industry-relevant competencies. ASDC’s structured school-based training programs are introducing young girls from rural areas to the automotive industry, instilling confidence and technical expertise from an early stage.
F R Singhvi, President, ASDC, said, “Automobile sector has seen a significant increase in women’s participation on shop floors, driven by technological advancements and corporate initiatives aimed at enhancing gender diversity. Empowering women with the right skills is not just about creating job opportunities; it is about building a more inclusive and progressive industry. At ASDC, we are committed to ensuring that women have equal access to training, mentorship, and career growth in the automotive sector through initiatives like Saksham. In collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, ASDC launched Project Saksham, aiming to train women in various automotive sales and service roles. Till date, 4,000 women have been trained, with 2,000 successfully placed in jobs. This joint initiative between ASDC and Hero MotoCorp will establish a new industry benchmark and motivate others to prioritize diversity and inclusion. By creating a skilled and diverse workforce, the initiative demonstrates the potential of shared goals and commitment to progress. Additionally, the collaboration will address the skill and gender gap in the sector by providing relevant technical knowledge.
The initiative also aligns with ASDC’s mission to enhance industry skill levels while promoting a workforce that mirrors the nation’s diversity. The training program focuses on practical, hands-on learning, equipping participants with industry-relevant expertise to excel in their roles.
A groundbreaking 15-month program will empower 20,000 women by providing training in eight key automotive roles, including sales, service, and electric vehicle expertise. Program will be rolled out across various locations, ensuring women from all walks of life have access to this life-changing opportunity
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC, added, “The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and we are seeing more women stepping into diverse roles across manufacturing, servicing, and leadership. ASDC’s initiatives are designed to break stereotypes and equip women with the skills they need to succeed in this dynamic sector.”
As Women’s Day approaches, ASDC celebrates every woman who has dared to dream, learned to build, and carved her own path. With every trained woman, the automotive industry moves closer to true inclusivity. The journey has just begun, and together, we accelerate towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to drive change, build a career, and achieve her dreams.
Breaking Barriers, Building Careers
ASDC’s impact is best reflected through inspiring success stories:
- Sneha, a young woman from a small town, once viewed the automotive industry as an inaccessible field. Through ASDC’s NAPS program, she gained technical expertise and confidence, eventually securing a position at a leading automobile manufacturing company.
- Aditi, a school student passionate about automobiles, was introduced to automotive skills through ASDC’s school-based training. Her curiosity turned into a career path, and she is now pursuing higher education in automotive engineering.
- Meera, a single mother struggling for stable employment, upskilled through ASDC’s STT program and secured a job at a service center, ensuring a better future for her child.
- Ritu, a homemaker, never imagined herself in the automotive sector until she joined ASDC’s RPL program. With training and certification, she leveraged her skills to become a quality control supervisor at an auto components company.
These success stories exemplify how ASDC’s skilling programs are empowering women to redefine their professional journeys and make meaningful contributions to the automotive industry.
