Empowering India’s Manufacturing Future with Digital Skills

Introduction

India's manufacturing industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, but a significant barrier to progress is the shortage of skilled workers with expertise in digital skills. To address this critical challenge, Cisco and Rockwell Automation have joined forces to launch the Digital Skills for Industry program. This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap in areas such as cybersecurity, AI, networking, and automation technologies. By focusing on upskilling the workforce, the program aims to prepare India’s manufacturing sector for the future and make it globally competitive.

Building a Workforce Equipped with Digital Skills

The Digital Skills for Industry program is designed to offer a comprehensive curriculum that integrates IT and OT (Operational Technology). It covers essential digital skills in areas like cybersecurity, AI, IoT, data science, and automation technologies. By providing globally recognized certifications, the program equips the next generation of workers with the skills they need to excel in the evolving manufacturing landscape.

As India looks to achieve its goal of exporting $1 trillion in goods by 2030, the need for skilled professionals in the manufacturing workforce is more urgent than ever. According to a report from Team Lease, the electronics manufacturing industry will generate 12 million jobs by FY 2027-28. However, there is a significant skills gap, with a projected shortfall of 10 million trained professionals. Addressing this digital skills gap is crucial for ensuring India's global competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.