Empowering the Next Generation: A Deep Dive into the 'Skills4Future' Program

The automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century. The age of the internal combustion engine is giving way to a new era of Electric Vehicles (EVs), and this seismic shift is creating a pressing need for a new generation of skilled professionals. To meet this demand, a forward-thinking initiative is paving the way: the SRF Foundation's 'Skills4Future' program, in a powerful collaboration with Shell. At the heart of this program, driving the on-ground implementation and technical expertise, is SkyySkill Academy.

This post explores the visionary partnership that is not just training a workforce but building a sustainable ecosystem of knowledge and innovation. We delve into the critical role of SkyySkill Academy, the cutting-edge labs it has established at key locations, and the foundational 'Train-the-Trainer' (ToT) program that promises a lasting impact on India's mobility landscape.

Empowering the Next Generation: A Deep Dive into the 'Skills4Future' Program

The Genesis of a Movement: 'Skills4Future' and its Partners

The 'Skills4Future' program is a testament to the power of collaboration between a corporate foundation, a global energy giant, and a specialized skill development company. The SRF Foundation, with its long-standing commitment to community development and vocational training, recognized the urgent need to bridge the skills gap in emerging technologies. This vision was perfectly complemented by Shell, a company that is not only a major player in the energy sector but is also actively investing in the transition to sustainable energy and mobility solutions. Together, they forged an alliance to equip young people with the "green skills" and digital literacy required for the jobs of tomorrow.

The program's design is strategic, focusing on preparing students for technician-level roles in the evolving automotive sector. It integrates hands-on training in electric vehicle systems, battery management, charging infrastructure, and advanced diagnostics. By focusing on practical learning and sustainability, 'Skills4Future' aims to directly address the skill deficit that could otherwise hinder India's transition to a green economy.

SkyySkill Academy: The Catalyst for Hands-On Learning

While the program's vision is set by SRF Foundation and Shell, its practical execution is entrusted to SkyySkill Academy, a recognized leader in e-mobility skill development. SkyySkill's role as the technical implementation partner is crucial. We bring a proven track record of establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and delivering high-impact, placement-linked training across India. Our expertise transforms the program's objectives into tangible, on-ground results that directly benefit the students and the industry.

As part of this visionary initiative, we have established state-of-the-art Lab Setups at two key locations:

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)

Mysuru (Mysore), (Karnataka)

These labs are designed to be more than just a collection of tools and machines. They are dynamic, immersive learning environments built to simulate real-world automotive and electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems. In these labs, students are not passive learners; they are active participants in a journey of discovery and mastery. They gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies, allowing them to move from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

The curriculum and lab modules cover a comprehensive range of topics, including:

EV Powertrain Systems: Disassembling and reassembling electric motors, understanding their principles of operation, and troubleshooting common issues.

Battery Technology and Battery Management Systems (BMS): Learning about the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries, how battery packs are assembled, and the critical role of the BMS in ensuring safety, performance, and longevity.

Charging Infrastructure: Gaining practical experience with different types of charging stations (AC and DC), understanding charging protocols, and learning to diagnose faults in the charging process.

Vehicle Diagnostics and CAN Communication: Using specialized diagnostic tools to interface with the vehicle's onboard computer, reading fault codes, and understanding the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus communication protocol, a fundamental skill for modern vehicle technicians.

Through this hands-on exposure, participants gain a deep understanding of sustainable mobility solutions, electric vehicles, renewable energy integrations, and smart automotive systems, preparing them for a diverse array of roles in the green economy.

Training the Trainers – Building Capacity for Lasting Impact

A fundamental tenet of the 'Skills4Future' program is its commitment to long-term sustainability. It's not enough to simply train a cohort of students; the goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem of skilled educators who can continue to train new batches of students for years to come.

This is where SkyySkill Academy's intensive 'Training of Trainers' (ToT) sessions become a core component. We work closely with the educators and faculty members at ITI Gwalior and ITI Mysuru, empowering them with advanced technical skills and modern teaching methodologies. The ToT program is structured to ensure that:

Knowledge Transfer is Comprehensive: Trainers gain in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of EV technology, from basic principles to advanced diagnostics.

Pedagogy is Practical: We equip them with the skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts in a hands-on, engaging manner, moving beyond traditional lecture-based teaching.

Curriculum is Aligned: We ensure that the trainers can effectively implement the industry-aligned curriculum, using the new lab equipment to its full potential.

By empowering these educators, we ensure that the knowledge and expertise cascade down to a larger student community, creating a multiplier effect that amplifies the program's impact. The trained faculties become custodians of this new knowledge, driving continuous learning and innovation within their respective institutions.

The Broader Vision: Driving India's Green Mobility Revolution

The 'Skills4Future' program is more than a localized initiative; it's a strategic move to contribute to India's national goals. As a nation, we are committed to achieving ambitious targets for EV adoption and a net-zero future. However, this transition is heavily dependent on the availability of a skilled workforce that can design, manufacture, service, and maintain these new technologies.

This partnership directly addresses that need. By establishing these labs and training centers at locations like Gwalior and Mysuru, the program is creating hubs of excellence that will feed a pipeline of job-ready talent into the market. These students will not only find employment but will also become change-makers, helping to normalize and accelerate the adoption of EVs in their communities.

SkyySkill Academy's strong network of industry partners, including prominent names like Ola Electric and Gravton Motors, ensures that this training is directly linked to career opportunities. We act as a bridge, connecting the talent nurtured in these labs with the companies that are actively building India's EV future.

The Path Ahead

The success of the 'Skills4Future' program at ITI Gwalior and ITI Mysuru is a powerful blueprint for future collaborations. It demonstrates that by combining corporate social responsibility with specialized technical expertise, it is possible to create a sustainable model for skill development that benefits everyone—the students who gain valuable skills, the industry that finds the talent it needs, and the nation that moves closer to its sustainable development goals.

At SkyySkill Academy, we are incredibly proud to be a part of this journey. We are excited about the potential of this partnership and the bright future it promises for the students and the e-mobility sector as a whole. The journey to a sustainable future is a collective effort, and we are honored to be playing our part alongside SRF Foundation and Shell, building a foundation of hands-on learning and lasting impact, one lab and one trainer at a time.