Ajay Kumar boasts over two decades of leadership experience in Human Resources, having contributed significantly to renowned organizations. Additionally, he dedicated five years to a prominent forging manu- facturing company in India. Ajay holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics & Statistics from Calicut University, a Post Graduate degree in HR Management from Pune University, and a Diploma in Information Technology.

The automotive industry is a dynamic place to be and establish a career. The idea of developing mobility or contributing to its cause is an exciting feeling. Imagine a sector that is already captivating with the use of technology, becoming more intricate and advanced thanks to the vision to make mobility safe, connected, autonomous, and convenient. Vehicles are no longer a humble means of commutation. The scope for performing multiple functions and even making decisions on their own has transformed vehicles into moving, high-performance computers.

With the increasing software content in vehicles, employees need to stay abreast of the latest software tools, coding methods, and validation processes

The integration of software into vehicles is driving this transformation, and it is destined to expand. What further enhances the intrigue of this transformation? Our newfound affinity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Both AI and ML will change the outlook on mobility beyond our imagination. At the core of enabling this and shaping the future of mobility are the people. When we consider the trajectory of the automotive industry, it becomes evident that a workforce armed with traditional knowledge alone is insufficient, but the quest for persistent self-skilling is the need of the hour.

Providing employees with opportunities to upskill, develop, and grow is an integral part of organizational and business growth. Thus, a strong emphasis on upskilling and reskilling, especially in the automotive sector, with the advent of new technologies, becomes vital. The process of upskilling and reskilling forms the basis for people’s strategy. This process not only prepares the workforce for changing ecosystems and new trends but also fosters superior engagement with the organization. More and more employees seek opportunities to engage their creative minds, which becomes the driving force behind talent retention. Thus, mapping the growth of an employee with a suitable upskilling plan is crucial.

Here are some trends that will dominate the automotive space in terms of upskilling and reskilling:

Software Expertise

With the increasing software content in vehicles, employees need to stay abreast of the latest software tools, coding methods, and validation processes. Training modules covering software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI/ML will serve as the foundation for such upskilling programs.

Cutting-edge Manufacturing and Automation Abilities

Thanks to the Industry 4.0 era, manufacturing setups are evolving into smart factories. In these setups, everything on the shop floor is connected, data is consistently collected and analyzed, there is a comprehensive use of automation, systems are equipped with Management Information System (MIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), there's smart utilization of AI and ML, deployment of cobots, and, finally, everything is digitized with little to no scope for paperwork. To thrive in such an environment, an individual should be sophisticated enough to handle the elements of a smart factory efficiently, effectively, and optimally. This underscores why upskilling and reskilling are critical for the growth of the manufacturing setup and the employees working in it.

Sustainability

Sustainable practices will remain a significant focus for the next two decades. All major businesses and corporations have consciously established a timeline and a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality. To support this goal, incorporating sustainable practices, even in a small way, goes a long way. With sustainability becoming a central factor in business functions, it is no longer considered a good-to-have skill but a must-have. Every employee would need to become aware of this topic and identify the areas where sustainability can add value within the scope of their function.

Proficiency in Electrification

The increasing attention given to EVs suggests a forthcoming shift in vehicle architecture. Spanning electric propulsion systems, battery technology, on-board diagnostics, and even charging infrastructure, this creates opportunities for upskilling topics.

Analytical Skills

In addition to technical expertise, the evolving automotive industry requires highly skilled talent to possess analytical skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills enable them to function in a dynamic environment and swiftly adapt to changes.

Education

With numerous organizations collaborating with educational institutions and professionals transitioning to academia, the gap between academia and industry is gradually diminishing. Companies are extending their efforts beyond traditional industry visits, internships, and hiring partnerships by collaborating with academia in research, offering mentorship and career guidance to students, and even co-creating electives or curricula that are industry relevant. Thus, students are equipped with practical skills and knowledge, getting ready for the professional world in a short period of time.

"As the automotive industry strides toward a seamless transition into a tech-empowered future, staying ahead of the curve is paramount"

A Glimpse into the Future: The Continental Way

Learning stands as one of the most robust building blocks for Continental. With today's multigenerational and diverse workforce and a relatively shorter shelf life of knowledge, the company places a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative learning culture, thereby continually upskilling its employees.

Continental provides a wide array of learning opportunities for its employees in a flexible basket model. On the leadership front, the company boasts a robust global leadership architecture with development programs that offer significant value through collaborations with some of the world's leading educational institutions. For instance, in India, they have partnered with IIMB to deliver the PIT STOP program, focusing on training senior managers. The company also facilitates leadership growth through assessment and development centers.

The company recently launched the AI and Data Academy, a division of its Software and Engineering Academy that focuses on creating comprehensive training plans customized to master specific job profiles. Its goal is to ensure that the nuances and requirements of each role are effectively captured. The company also hosts an annual competition called CARIÑO (The Continental ARtificial INtelligence Olympics) that fosters innovation and encourages a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

On the technical front, the global Software and Engineering Academy, located in India, provides tools for skill gap assessments and designs, develops, and deploys learnings in scalable online formats for both classical software and agile roles. For shop floor employees, the primary focus is on making operators multi-skilled, particularly in learning Industry 4.0 technologies. This goal is achieved through planned job rotations of operators from one business area to another. Shop floor supervisors also undergo a dedicated leadership program to refine their supervisory skills and learn from best practices. Additionally, the Internal Talent Job Market (ITJM) platform facilitates employees in exploring diverse job opportunities internally, supporting them in transitioning their interests and skills across roles both locally and globally.

Realizing the full potential of the automotive space requires a concerted effort to skill, upskill, and reskill the employees. As the automotive industry strides toward a seamless transition into a tech-empowered future, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Embracing ongoing trends ensures employees remain future-ready. The cultivation of a growth mindset serves as the cornerstone in navigating this dynamic landscape, fostering a culture of continual improvement and adaptability vital for sustained success in the ever-evolving automotive sector.