New Skilling Initiative Brings Industry-Ready Green Skills to India’s Youth

MSDE
MSDE

JUNE 13: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has partnered with Shell India to launch a pioneering Green Skills and Electric Vehicle (EV) training program aimed at equipping India’s youth with future-ready skills in electric mobility and renewable energy. The initiative, officially launched on June 12, 2025, will be implemented by Shell’s training partner, Edunet Foundation, across five states—Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

As part of this collaboration, state-of-the-art EV skill labs will be established within select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), offering students hands-on training aligned with real-world industry standards. The program features a structured, multi-tier curriculum developed jointly by Shell, Edunet Foundation, and DGT.

In the first phase, the program offers a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at four NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV skills course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational green skills module at additional ITIs that do not yet have lab facilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including EV systems, diagnostics, battery technology, safety protocols, and digital tools. Over 250 instructors will also receive specialized Training of Trainers (ToT), ensuring consistent and high-quality delivery of the program.

A key feature of the program is its focus on certification, placement support, and industry alignment. Students completing the courses will receive co-branded certificates from Shell and DGT, improving their employability in India’s fast-growing green energy and electric vehicle sectors.

This initiative is strongly aligned with India’s national vision of a green economy and its net-zero emissions goals. Government programs such as the FAME scheme and state-level EV policies have already accelerated electric mobility adoption. However, with growing demand for skilled professionals in the green sector, this partnership seeks to bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce capabilities.

Highlighting the importance of the program, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, stated that such collaborations represent India’s commitment to climate-ready skilling and sustainable growth. Leaders from DGT, Shell India, and Edunet Foundation echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformational potential of hands-on, industry-relevant training to prepare young Indians for leadership roles in the evolving global green economy.

This robust partnership marks a significant step in preparing India’s youth to thrive in the energy transition and build a sustainable, innovation-driven future.