New skilling program launched to build EV-ready workforce

By Staff Report June 13, 2025 2:39 pm IST

DGT and Shell India launch EV training program to equip youth with green skills and job-ready certifications.

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with Shell India, has developed a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training program. Edunet Foundation will implement the programme in chosen Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) throughout Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The curriculum uses an organised, multi-tiered training model:

• A 240-hour advanced EV technician course at four NSTIs.
• A 90-hour job-focused EV skills course at 12 ITIs with Shell-supported laboratories
• A 50-hour basic green skills module at other ITIs without physical laboratories.

The course covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery technologies, digital tools, and safety standards. A specific Training of Trainers (ToT) programme will upskill more than 250 trainers. Shell and DGT will co-brand the certification and provide placement assistance to participants. Aligned with India’s net-zero goals and EV policies, the programme addresses the rising demand for skilled green mobility professionals.

Specialised EV skill laboratories will be developed at selected ITIs and NSTIs to give hands-on training by industry standards.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, and Minister of State for Education, said, “Our collaboration with Shell India reflects the government’s deeper commitment to aligning skilling with sustainability. Green energy, electric mobility, and the broader climate transition are not just environmental imperatives—they represent a generational opportunity for India to lead through innovation, talent, and enterprise. This initiative is part of our larger vision to create a workforce that is not only job-ready but also climate-ready.”

Smt Trishaljit Sethi, Director General, DGT, MSDE, stated, “This partnership with Shell India is a focused step in bringing cutting-edge training infrastructure and industry-relevant curriculum into our ITIs and NSTIs. By integrating electric vehicle technologies into vocational training, we are ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world demand. With joint certification, trainer upskilling, and placement support built into the programme, this initiative will significantly strengthen the employability of our youth in the green mobility sector.”

Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson, Shell Group of Companies in India & Senior Vice President, Shell Lubricants, Asia-Pacific, stated, “At Shell, we aim to support local communities by enabling future employment opportunities. Equipping youth with green energy skills is an important step towards building a lower-carbon future. Through our collaboration with DGT and Edunet Foundation, we are providing students with practical and future-ready expertise in green energy and electric mobility. This initiative empowers young people to thrive in an evolving energy landscape and contribute towards India’s net-zero ambitions.”

The DGT–Shell India initiative equips youth with green skills and certifications to boost employability in a sustainable economy.