‘First Centre of Excellence for Skill development’

In a significant development and in line with the commitment to skill development and vocational training, the first Centre of Excellence for skill development in the power sector has been inaugurated.

• India is taking rapid strides to move towards renewable energy to accelerate economic development, improve energy security and energy access while mitigating climate change challenges too.
• The county’s success in achieving all of these demands for a rich pool of workforce in the energy sector to propel India to become one of the top leaders in the world’s renewable energy market.
• Sustained efforts towards boosting the growth of renewable energy sector will play a significant role in helping the country inch closer to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
• India’s recent partnership with Government of France for instituting the Centre of Excellence is another shining example of cooperation between the countries to achieve their long-terms energy goals.

What led to the establishment of CoE?

• The establishment of CoE is a result of the MoU signed earlier between MSDE, Ministry of Education-France and Schneider Electric.
• In collaboration: The centre was inaugurated in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, along with the Ministry of National Education and Youth, Government of France and Schneider Electric.
• Sector: The first Centre of Excellence for skill development in the power sector has been inaugurated for skill development in power sector.
  • The first Center of Excellence (CoE) for skill development is inaugurated in the power sector in the campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) located at Gwal Pahari, Gurugram (Haryana) to create a robust cadre of certified trainers and assessors across the country. 
• Further, an operational MoU was signed between National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Schneider Electric India Foundation (SEIF), Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for establishment of the centre, and to undertake high level training and skill development in the field of power and solar.

What will this CoE do?

• The Centre will focus on creating a pool of highly skilled trainers and assessors for further training to increase employability of candidates in the field of Electricity, Automation and Solar Energy Sectors. 
• The centre will design and deliver Training for Trainers, Instructors, Training of Assessors and other high-end programme in the power and solar sector.
• The CoE has high-end modern labs designed keeping in mind the future technology, which will further strengthen India and France’s relationship in energy sector.
• The CoE will be equipped with two labs, which have been set up by Schneider Electric as a part of its CSR initiative.
  • The Advance Electrician Lab is equipped with specially designed instruments for training in home and building, and industry installation and automation.
  • The Solar Lab will provide hands on practical training on latest technology in solar area.

How will it be done?

• With the launch of CoE, online training of assessors will commence which will include trainers from all over the country.
• In addition, training of youth is also being considered in the center.
• Power Sector Skill Council has also developed necessary learning contents for various job roles in generation, transmission, distribution and downstream sub sectors to facilitate learning.
• The Department of Education, France, deputed an expert to India for three years to conceptualise, design and head the proposed CoE.
  • He has contributed by proposing the layout, guidelines, and best practices in electrical domain.

How will it be managed?

• Power Sector Skill Council will be managing the operations of the centre.

What are the challenges in the power sector?

• Shortage of workers with requisite competencies: The power sector faces an enormous shortage of workers with requisite competencies.
• Lack of skills: With digitalisation driving across the value chain, skill development becomes imperative for the entire sector and all the more so in the distribution sector.

What are the recent government initiatives to enhance skills?

• Skill India initiative: The Government launched the Skill India Initiative in 2015.
• Dedicated ministry: The government has also created a dedicated Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• Coordinating agencies: The National Skill Development Agency and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have also been created with the objective of coordinating and guiding all central government ministries involved in skill development initiatives.
• Qualification Packs/National Occupational Standards (QPs/NOSs): One of the key initiatives taken by the PSSC is the development of Qualification Packs/National Occupational Standards (QPs/NOSs) with reference to key job functions in the sector that have high employment potential. 

Significance of the CoE

• Boost in relationship: With the help of advanced labs and future technology the CoE will boost the relationship between India and France in the energy sector.
• Enhance skill development: It will significantly enhance the training and skill development in the field of power and solar. 

Conclusion

COVID-19’s impact on the Indian electricity sector and electricity demand has been significant. Based on current policies, India’s energy demand could double by 2040, with electricity demand potentially tripling as a result of increased appliance ownership and cooling needs. Without significant improvements in energy efficiency, India needs to skill its manpower to meet the rising demands.