Cisco and Rockwell Automation have joined forces to tackle India’s manufacturing skills gap through the ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ program. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with essential digital skills in cybersecurity, networking, IoT, data science, AI, programming, and automation technologies, amalgamating IT and OT curriculums.
India, with aspirations to boost its manufacturing sector and exports, faces a significant challenge due to a shortage of skilled workers. Reports indicate a substantial skills gap that needs to be addressed to ensure the industry’s global competitiveness and efficiency. The ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ program seeks to enhance digital literacy, attract new talent, and foster career growth.
Recognizing the urgency of upskilling the workforce in automation technologies, organizations are ramping up their investments in operational technology. Cisco and Rockwell Automation’s collaboration extends beyond India to the Asia-Pacific region, where programs like the Cisco Networking Academy have already trained millions of students in emerging technologies.
Daisy Chittilapilly, President at Cisco India and SAARC, emphasized the importance of building a skilled workforce to drive digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. She highlighted the pivotal role of AI and emerging technologies in shaping the industry’s future landscape, underscoring the need for a digitally adept workforce.
Rockwell Automation’s Managing Director in India, Dilip Sawhney, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the imperative of upskilling and reskilling in the face of rapid technological advancements. The State of Smart Manufacturing report identified ‘change management’ as a top workforce challenge, emphasizing the critical role of human capital in adopting smart manufacturing technologies.
Rockwell Automation offers training solutions to help enterprises and academic institutions bridge the skills gap in automation technologies. These solutions, delivered through a blend of virtual and instructor-led courses, aim to prepare the workforce for the future of smart manufacturing, ensuring a seamless transition to advanced technologies.
Sawhney stressed the need for strategic investments in upskilling and reskilling programs to empower workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage emerging technologies effectively. By cultivating a dynamic talent ecosystem, India can position itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse, fostering competitiveness on the world stage.
The collaboration between Cisco and Rockwell Automation signifies a commitment to nurturing a future-ready workforce equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital-first era. As industries evolve in response to automation and digital transformation, investing in manufacturing skills is crucial to sustaining growth and innovation in the sector.
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