Transforming India’s Manufacturing Workforce for the Digital Age

Transforming India’s Manufacturing Workforce for the Digital Age

India’s manufacturing sector is poised for significant growth, with a target of exporting goods worth USD 1 trillion by 2030. However, the country faces a substantial skills gap, particularly in fields critical to automation, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity. Cisco and Rockwell Automation‘s partnership aims to address this challenge through the launch of their “Digital Skills for Industry” program.

The ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ Initiative: A New Era in Skill Development

The program, born out of the strategic partnership between Cisco and Rockwell, integrates both IT and OT (Operational Technology) curriculums. By focusing on emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, networking, data science, and automation, it aims to equip India’s workforce with skills essential for the digital-first manufacturing era.

Bridging the Skills Gap for India’s Manufacturing Success

According to a Team Lease report, while India’s electronics manufacturing sector is set to generate 12 million jobs by FY 2027-28, there remains a skills gap of 10 million trained professionals. Closing this gap is critical for India to maintain its competitiveness on the global manufacturing stage. This partnership not only targets skill development but also seeks to boost digital literacy and attract new talent.

Cisco’s Contribution: Equipping India’s Workforce Through NetAcad

Cisco’s long-standing investment in education, particularly through the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad), has already trained over 2.2 million students across India. NetAcad offers courses on emerging technologies, equipping individuals with the digital literacy and technical skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing environments. By expanding its curriculum to include advanced topics like programming and cybersecurity, Cisco is playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s future-ready workforce.

Rockwell Automation: Empowering the Workforce for Smart Manufacturing

Rockwell Automation brings its extensive experience in operational technology to the table, offering solutions that help both businesses and academic institutions upskill the workforce. These training solutions, which include virtual and instructor-led courses, are tailored to automation technologies that are transforming manufacturing processes. With a particular focus on smart manufacturing, Rockwell’s approach aligns with India’s vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing landscape.

The Urgent Need for Reskilling in Today’s Manufacturing Sector

The shift toward automation and digital technologies has highlighted the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce. As per Rockwell’s 9th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report, ‘change management’ is identified as the top workforce challenge. Companies that prioritize continuous training are better positioned to integrate emerging technologies seamlessly and enhance productivity on the shop floor.

Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with a Skilled Workforce

The collaboration between Cisco and Rockwell Automation represents a critical step toward creating a robust, digitally-savvy workforce for India. With smart manufacturing and automation at the forefront, strategic investments in workforce development will ensure that India’s manufacturing sector remains globally competitive, efficient, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Conclusion: Paving the Path for India’s Global Manufacturing Leadership

The success of this initiative hinges on creating a dynamic talent ecosystem capable of leveraging the latest digital technologies. With both Cisco and Rockwell’s expertise, the “Digital Skills for Industry” program is an essential building block in transforming India’s manufacturing workforce. In doing so, it sets the stage for India to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, with a skilled workforce driving the future of automation.