New Delhi, 08 March 2025 – The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is leading a transformative initiative to empower women by providing skill development opportunities in the automotive industry. As of February this financial year, ASDC has successfully trained 65,465 women across various job roles. This includes 31,513 women trained under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), 18,026 at the school level, and 15,926 under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Short-Term Training (STT) programs.
With the automotive industry evolving rapidly, women’s participation has seen a significant rise, growing from 9% in 2010 to approximately 15% in 2023, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). ASDC remains committed to bridging the skills gap and promoting inclusive growth by equipping women with industry-relevant competencies. Its school-based training programs are especially impactful, introducing young girls from rural areas to the automotive sector and building their confidence and technical skills from an early stage.
F R Singhvi, President of ASDC, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating:
“The automotive sector has witnessed a notable increase in women’s participation on shop floors, driven by technological advancements and corporate efforts to enhance gender diversity. At ASDC, our goal is not just to create job opportunities but to build a more inclusive and progressive industry. We are dedicated to ensuring that women have equal access to training, mentorship, and career growth in the automotive sector.”
In collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, ASDC launched Project Saksham to train women for various roles in automotive sales and service. To date, 4,000 women have been trained, with 2,000 successfully placed in jobs. This joint initiative sets a new benchmark in the industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. The program also addresses skill and gender gaps by providing specialized technical training.
Looking ahead, ASDC plans to roll out a groundbreaking 15-month program aimed at training 20,000 women in eight key automotive roles, including sales, service, and electric vehicle expertise. This initiative will be implemented across various locations to ensure women from all backgrounds can benefit from these life-changing opportunities.
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, commented:
“The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and we are witnessing more women taking on diverse roles in manufacturing, servicing, and leadership. ASDC’s initiatives aim to break stereotypes and equip women with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic sector.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, ASDC celebrates the achievements of women who have overcome challenges to build successful careers in the automotive industry. Through these skilling initiatives, ASDC is not only empowering women but also driving the industry towards true inclusivity.
Breaking Barriers, Building Careers
The impact of ASDC’s efforts is best illustrated through inspiring success stories:
- Sneha, a young woman from a small town, once perceived the automotive industry as out of reach. Through ASDC’s NAPS program, she gained technical expertise and confidence, securing a position at a leading automobile manufacturing company.
- Aditi, a school student passionate about automobiles, was introduced to automotive skills through ASDC’s school-based training. Her curiosity turned into a career path, and she is now pursuing higher education in automotive engineering.
- Meera, a single mother seeking stable employment, enhanced her skills through ASDC’s STT program and secured a job at a service center, ensuring a better future for her child.
- Ritu, a homemaker, never imagined a career in the automotive sector until she joined ASDC’s RPL program. With proper training and certification, she became a quality control supervisor at an auto components company.
These stories exemplify how ASDC’s skill development programs are empowering women to transform their professional journeys and make meaningful contributions to the automotive industry.
Together, we accelerate towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to drive change, build a career, and achieve her dreams.