In a significant development Shashi Kumar Singh, President of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), has been elected as a Chairman of the Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical Skill Development Council (RCPSDC). Known for his visionary leadership, Mr. Singh brings a wealth of experience and a clear strategic direction to his new role. Mr. Singh shares his plans and insights on how he intends to address the skill gaps in these crucial industries.
Mr. Singh's primary focus as the Chairman of RCPSDC is to bridge the gap between industry needs and skill development programs. He emphasizes the importance of a curriculum that is not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant. "We need to incorporate the latest technological advancements and industry practices into our training modules", Mr. Singh asserts. He believes that by doing so, the programs will produce a workforce that is well prepared to meet the current demands of the industry.
A key aspect of Singh's strategy is increasing industry participation in training programs. He envisions companies not just as end users of skilled labor but as active contributors to the training process. This, he believes, will ensure that the training provided is directly aligned with industry requirements, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of skill development initiatives.
The rubber industry has made commendable progress in addressing the skill gap, according to Singh. Companies have established in-house training programs and are collaborating with institutions like RCPSDC to develop standardized training modules. There is also a growing trend of utilizing technology, such as virtual reality and simulation-based training, to offer hands-on experience in a controlled environment. However, Singh acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. "We need more collaboration between the industry and educational institutions to create a continuous learning skill ecosystem that evolves with the industry's needs", he states.
Singh identifies several challenges that the rubber and manufacturing industries face due to a shortage of skilled labor. These include a productivity gap, inefficiencies, higher production costs, and difficulty in maintaining quality standards. "Skilled workers are not just operators; they bring new ideas and improvements to processes", Singh explains. Moreover, unskilled workers pose a significant safety risk, which can have severe implications for both the workforce and the company's reputation. "Safety First in skilling will be our aim!" Singh declares.
A skilled workforce can bring substantial benefits to the Indian manufacturing industry. According to Singh, improved productivity, better quality products, and increased capacity can enhance the industry's competitiveness in the global market. A TeamLease study cited by Singh indicates that a skilled workforce can boost productivity by up to 20-30% and reduce wastage and operational costs by 10-15%. Additionally, better-trained workers can lead to fewer accidents and lower downtime, directly translating to financial benefits.
Singh outlines a multi faceted approach to bridging the skill gap. This includes revamping educational curricula to align with industry needs, increasing awareness about career opportunities in the rubber industry, encouraging continuous learning and upskilling, and adopting technology in training. Government support in the form of grants and tax benefits can also help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) invest in comprehensive training programs.
Digital transformation is seen as a pivotal element in the skill development landscape. Singh highlights the potential of online learning platforms, artificial intelligence, and simulation technologies in providing accessible and personalized training. These technologies can democratize access to quality training resources and provide practical experience without the associated risks and costs.
To foster a culture of lifelong learning, Singh calls for a commitment from both employers and employees. Employers need to provide the necessary resources and support, while employees should take ownership of their learning journey. Initiatives like mentorship programs and incentives linked to skill acquisition can encourage continuous learning. Creating a supportive environment where learning is encouraged and failures are seen as opportunities for growth is also crucial.
Singh's vision for the Indian rubber industry is to become a global leader in innovation and quality. He sees a skilled workforce as essential to achieving this goal. "By investing in our people, we can drive sustainable growth and make India a hub for high quality rubber products that are recognized and respected worldwide", Singh concludes. He also appeals to members of AIRIA and RCPSDC to share their manpower requirements and fields of expertise needed, such as moulding, mixing, testing, and sheeting, to better plan skilling schedules to cater to industry needs.
In conclusion, Shashi Kumar Singh's election as Chairman of RCPSDC marks a promising step forward for the Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical sectors in India. With his strategic vision and emphasis on skill development, Singh aims to create a more skilled, efficient, and globally competitive industry.