At CASE, we invest in the skill development by providing operator training to enhance the ability to use the machines efficiently

– Alok Jha

Director, Sales & Marketing, India & SAARC, CASE Construction Equipment

How are skill development initiatives progressing in the country for equipment operators? What is the support from the government in operator training/skill development and how is the scarcity of skilled operators affecting the prospects of the construction equipment market?

The construction equipment industry in India as well as at the global level needs skilled manpower. Let alone the construction skills but there are clear indications that more than 50% of workers in the industry are in need of basic education. India is expected to become the third-largest construction market by 2025 and hence, it is imperative to have a workforce that understands the requirement of the job.

The lack of skills has been a constant hindrance in project completion and in turn delay the progress and profitability. With the adoption of innovative technology, it has become vital for all the OEMs as well to upgrade the skills of the workforce to avoid project deferrals as well as achieve the productivity of the machines by operating them in the right manner.

The Indian government is doing a great job of prioritizing Skill Development for the industry and the workers. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has also recently introduced Project NIPUN, which will focus on training one lakh people in the construction industry through fresh skilling and upskilling. Additionally, NSDC has also introduced on-site training in association with MoHUA and the Sector Skill Council (SSC). Moreover, the Construction Skill Development Council of India (CSDCI) and Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) also carries out regular training and upskilling activities for the workers.

How are the operator-training initiatives progressing at the company?

At CASE, we invest in the skill development of the worker by providing operator training to enhance the ability to use the machines efficiently. We have recently inaugurated a Skill Development Center – Hunar, to provide a good understanding and training on Loader Backhoe operation. The initiative contributes to the Central Government’s Skill India Mission by training 240 professionals each year. The 1200 sq. ft. facility comprises two classrooms dedicated to theory classes and counselling. The center is located at Sonvai, Rau near Pithampur.  The programme is broadly divided into key categories – technical skills, product and process knowledge, health and safety, soft skills grooming, including interpersonal skills, personal management, and work-life sensitivity & life skills. It also offers basic computer knowledge assessment and certification, periodic assessments as a post-training course conducted by CASE India’s experts and industry professionals.

We have a training centre at our state-of-the-art Pithampur plant where along with regular operator training, we are also planning tie-ups with large training organizations to educate operators as well as create new entrepreneurs in the field.

What are the latest technologies used in the operator training programme?

The students enrolled in the Hunar program are trained (practical training) on the Loader Backhoes with the latest technologies for 110 hrs. throughout the training. Additionally, they are offered 40 hrs. of product-specific training to get a better understanding of lasted technologies. Moreover, all the trainees under this program will be skilled in basic computer operating skills for them to understand upcoming technologies in the segment.

Furthermore, post this training, the company along with SEEDS also offers 3rd party certification through Sector Skill Council (Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council) followed by their employment with Backhoe operator dealers/construction project sites etc.

What are your future plans for operator training activities?

We would like to come up with training programs for the women workforce in near future. Internally we are figuring out the dynamics for the same. As soon as we finalise these activities we will announce them.

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