Skilling for Success: ASDC Uplifts Women in Automotive
The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is leading a transformative initiative to empower women through skill development in the automotive industry. As of February in the current financial year, ASDC has successfully trained 65,465 women across various job roles. This includes 31,513 women under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), 18,026 students at the school level, and 15,926 women under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Short-Term Training (STT) programs.
With rapid advancements in the automotive industry, women’s participation has increased significantly. Traditionally underrepresented, the female workforce in this sector has grown from 9% in 2010 to approximately 15% in 2023, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). ASDC remains committed to bridging the skills gap and fostering inclusive growth by equipping women with industry-relevant competencies. Through structured, school-based training programs, young girls from rural areas are being introduced to the automotive sector, instilling confidence and technical expertise from an early stage.
Empowering Women with Industry-Relevant Skills
F R Singhvi, President, ASDC, emphasized, “The automotive sector has seen a significant increase in women's participation on shop floors, driven by technological advancements and corporate initiatives focused on gender diversity. Empowering women with the right skills is not just about creating job opportunities; it’s about building a more inclusive and progressive industry.”
To achieve this goal, ASDC has launched initiatives like Project Saksham, in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, 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 is setting new industry benchmarks and inspiring other organizations to prioritize diversity and inclusion.
A 15-month groundbreaking program will further empower 20,000 women, providing training in eight key automotive roles, including sales, service, and electric vehicle expertise. The program will be rolled out across various locations, ensuring that women from diverse backgrounds can access this life-changing opportunity.
Creating a Diverse and Skilled Workforce
The initiative aligns with ASDC’s mission to enhance industry skill levels while fostering a workforce that reflects the nation’s diversity. The training focuses on practical, hands-on learning, equipping participants with expertise to excel in their roles.
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC, stated, “The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and more women are stepping into diverse roles across manufacturing, servicing, and leadership. ASDC’s initiatives are designed to break stereotypes and provide women with the skills they need to succeed in this dynamic sector.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, ASDC celebrates every woman who has dared to dream, learned to build, and carved her own path. With every woman trained, the automotive industry moves closer to true inclusivity. 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, from a small town, once saw the automotive industry as inaccessible. Through ASDC’s NAPS program, she gained technical expertise and confidence, securing a job at a leading automobile manufacturing company.
- Aditi, a school student passionate about automobiles, discovered her career path through ASDC’s school-based training. 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. After joining ASDC’s RPL program, she trained, earned certification, and became 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.
About ASDC: The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is dedicated to enhancing the skill ecosystem in the automotive sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for sustainable industry growth. By equipping women with essential technical and vocational skills, ASDC is driving a more inclusive and progressive automotive industry.