The recent webinar, “Marching towards 5 Trillion Economy: Supercharging Skill Development for Industry 4.0,” held on May 9th, 2024, provided an in-depth exploration of the crucial role of skill development in driving India’s economic growth. This insightful event, part of the #CentumKnowledgeSeries, featured esteemed speakers Anil Ingulkar, Ritesh Sinha, and Disha Shrivastava, who shared their expertise on Industry 4.0 and its implications for the workforce.

The webinar highlighted the transformative impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on achieving a $5 trillion economy. Anil Ingulkar, Assistant Commissioner at the Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department – Government of Maharashtra, provided an overview of government initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing skill development and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs to create a future-ready workforce.

Ritesh Sinha, Group CSR Head at Krishna Maruti Limited, discussed the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, focusing on the need for continuous upskilling to adapt to technological advancements. He also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, particularly the role of women, in fostering innovation and productivity in manufacturing.

Disha Shrivastava from Centum Foundation moderated the session, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the discussed topics. The discussions underscored the necessity of strategic planning, effective execution, and continuous learning in fostering a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of Industry 4.0. The panelists also addressed the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing the reach and effectiveness of skill development initiatives.

Professionals, educators, and industry leaders found the session particularly enlightening, as it provided valuable insights into the strategies required to bridge the skill gap and drive economic growth through Industry 4.0 technologies. The webinar concluded with a robust understanding of the pathways to building a future-ready workforce, emphasizing the critical role of skill development in achieving India’s economic ambitions.

This event was a crucial step in raising awareness and shaping the conversation around the role of skill development in the context of Industry 4.0, paving the way for a more skilled and inclusive workforce.