Phillips Education, a catalytic force in the manufacturing sector, is empowering India’s journey towards self-reliance by addressing the acute shortage of skilled workforce through its Centers of Excellence (CoE) program. With a focus on advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, Phillips Education aims to propel India’s manufacturing capabilities to compete with global giants like Japan and Germany, while reducing dependence on China.
The global manufacturing sector faces a critical challenge of skilled labour shortage, hindering its ability to meet demands. India, despite its massive population, grapples with finding a steady, trained, and reliable workforce for the manufacturing industry. The migration of individuals to Tier 1 cities, aspiring for jobs in perceived lucrative sectors like Finance, Backoffice functions, and IT, further exacerbates this issue.
India’s rapid economic growth and technological expertise have placed it as the world’s 5th largest economy, with a GDP of $3.75 trillion. However, the country lags behind in modern-day manufacturing compared to industrial powerhouses like Japan, Germany, China, and Vietnam. A major factor contributing to this is the lack of a trained workforce in advanced manufacturing and inadequate supporting infrastructure. The government’s ambitious plans of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” can be successful only with swift systemic changes.
Phillips Education, an ambitious initiative by Phillips Corporation, a 60-year-old Advanced Manufacturing solution provider, seeks to revolutionize the manufacturing sector in India. The program aims to partner with thought leaders and decision-makers in India to provide transformative resources, machinery, training & certifications, and global opportunities to unlock the full potential of advanced manufacturing.
To address the pressing need for skill development in advanced manufacturing, Phillips Education launched its Centers of Excellence (CoE) program, which provides comprehensive solutions to its partners. CoEs are established in collaboration with State Governments, leading Universities, or Government Agencies to meet various objectives, such as skilling the youth, driving Research & Development, and aligning the curriculum with industry needs.
The CoEs offer hands-on training sessions, workshops, and access to state-of-the-art equipment, empowering local industries with advanced manufacturing technologies, processes, and best practices. Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, and more, are covered, ensuring India’s competitiveness and reducing dependency on China for products and parts.
Within a year, Phillips Education has successfully established CoEs in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Haridwar, Uttarakhand, set to inaugurate on August 15th, 2023, India’s 76th Independence Day. Collaborating with partner organizations and setting up CoEs across India, Phillips Education directly addresses the skill gap and equips individuals with expertise demanded by the manufacturing sector. The initiative also enhances India’s competitive edge in international trade, positioning it as a formidable player in the global manufacturing landscape.
Beyond India, Phillips Education has partnered with Malaysian government agencies to develop a CoE, driving Industry 4.0 in the country. Additionally, they are collaborating with Factory One, a model factory by Qatar Development Bank, to establish Qatar’s first advanced manufacturing CoE. This international collaboration fosters a network where student exchange programs facilitate the exchange of ideas and technology transfer, further enhancing regional competitiveness.
Phillips Education designs each CoE to cater to the needs of the local industry, developing comprehensive curriculums and extensively training CoE instructors through their rigorous Train the Trainer program. Their strategic partnerships with renowned manufacturing technology providers enable the provision of industry-grade equipment, facilitating learners’ training in leading technologies. Completion of the program grants industry-recognized certification, significantly boosting employability.
Phillips Education’s commitment to democratizing manufacturing resources is evident through the Phillips Machinist app, a unique mobile application tailored for the manufacturing industry. Professionals can upskill, access resources, and engage with the global machinist community, while businesses can post job vacancies at no cost, creating a pool of industry-ready talent.
In the words of Rakshit Kejriwal, President of Phillips Education, “No country is ever successful in the long term, without a really strong and vibrant manufacturing base” – Alan Mulaly, former President & CEO of Ford Motor Co. With Phillips Education’s transformative initiatives, India’s manufacturing potential is set to soar to new heights
As India’s manufacturing sector stands at a critical juncture, grappling with skill shortages and the need to adopt advanced technologies, Phillips Education emerges as a crucial anchor for overcoming these challenges and realizing India’s mission of self-reliance. By equipping individuals with the latest manufacturing knowledge and skills, Phillips Education envisions a future where Indian manufacturing shines on the global stage, driving economic growth, unparalleled innovation, and establishing India as an undisputed manufacturing powerhouse.
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