With growing focus on switching the transportation from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles, there are a lot of job opportunities that the existing workforce as well as fresh talent can capitalize on. Here we discuss the job opportunities the EV industry presents.
It is expected that by 2030, we will have 30% of the vehicles on roads to be electric. Simultaneously, the incredible growth of electric vehicles increases the employment rate & job opportunities for youth. According to an estimate by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the EV industry alone will create one crore jobs by 2030.
The increasing electric vehicle population means a huge ecosystem of Original Equipment Manufacturers & component companies. Electric mobility can thus create millions of local and green jobs.
Electric Vehicles as a product & an industry needs new knowledge & new skills. Some of the new job requirements in the industry can be brought down under the following categories:
1. Scientific research:
Need: To improve the performance of Electric Vehicles especially by improving battery, recharging technology and materials.
Knowledge/Skill: Chemistry and Material Sciences.
People in-demand: Chemical, Materials, Electrical, Electronics & Mechatronics Engineers.
The EV industry is a multi-disciplinary field and will require experts from different streams of engineering.
2. Design:
Need: To design, test & integrate components such as engines, batteries, generators and electric motors
Knowledge/Skill: Engineering, Industrial design, Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing.
People in-demand: Electrical & Electronics engineers, Software developers, App Developers and CAD/CAM experts.
3. Manufacturing:
Need: To manage manufacturing processes including machine tool operations & assembly.
Knowledge/Skill: Machine Design, Industrial Production Design
People in-demand: Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers, electromechanical equipment assemblers, engine technicians, computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic workers, machinists, industrial production managers.
4. Maintenance:
Need: To repair electric vehicles and install electric vehicle components.
Knowledge/Skill: Electrical Systems, Battery Systems
People in-demand: Mechanics, Technicians
5. Charging Infrastructure:
Need: To setup & maintain charging stations, lay power lines and establish grid connectivity.
Knowledge/Skill: Electrical power-line installation & maintenance.
People in-demand: Power line installers, repairers, electricians, electrical & instrumentation engineers.
How can I prepare myself for a career in the EV industry?
There are multiple resources available that one can use to ready oneself and build a promising career in the EV industry.
Online courses: Updated & comprehensive courses made by experts from top universities/institutes across the world are available on the internet. Udemy is one big platform for such online courses, where programs for every level, be it beginner, intermediate or advanced, is offered. You can go to this link for more information: EV Courses
Softwares used in auto industry: There are certain softwares used by professionals in the auto & EV industry like Catia (CAD modeling software), SolidWorks (3D CAD modeling & CAM), Creo Parametric (2D & 3D CAD), Autodesk Inventor (CAD software), Rhino (CAD with 3D Printing capability), Alias (CAD software, being used by Tesla & Aston Martin), Blender (Free & open-source 3D modeling program, being used by Tata Motors). Learning such software programs can lead to a career in the EV industry. CADD Centers offer some of these courses like Catia. CADD Centers also offer EV dedicated courses on EV Technology & Operations and Battery Technology & Design. For more details, visit this site: Website
LinkedIn contacts: Contact people who are already working in the industry through LinkedIn and take guidance from them regarding what skills you should acquire for entering & growing in the EV industry.
Live training sessions: Several Ashok Leyland employees took part in a live training titled ‘Level 3 Live Working on Electric Vehicle HV Systems by TUV SUD’. Similarly, institutional training is offered by CADD Centers. Tata Power offers a 3-day online training program which focuses on EV charging, load forecasting, etc. They also offer Classroom sessions where site visits are also included. If these are not company-sponsored, a fee has to be paid. The courses are customizable.
Don’t have an engineering degree & still want to build a career in the EV industry?
There is a need for a wide variety of skills & educational backgrounds in the EV industry. Commerce background candidates with specializations in marketing, HR, supply chain, MIS management can find suitable roles in the industry. LinkedIn can be vital in this regard for networking. Also an online course (from Udemy etc.) will give an added advantage. Getting something on your resume with the words ‘electric vehicle’ in it will make it easy to penetrate the industry.
Are there any government-sponsored, low fees courses on EV in India?
Yes, the Government of India, through its MSME Technology Development Centers, offers an ‘Electric Vehicle & Public Charging Station Program with MSME Certification’. The training methodology includes e-learning content for self-learning, live interactive classes and a helpdesk. Minimum educational qualifications are ITI Diploma holders or 12th pass in any stream with some work experience. The Fee is just Rs.2000. One such MSME training center is PPDC Meerut. Visit this site to know more: Click Here
Conclusion:
The EV industry will create job opportunities in various domains such as designing, testing, manufacturing, wiring, charging infrastructure, servicing, redesigning existing infrastructure, battery tech, etc. Existing employees in the auto industry who think their careers have stagnated over the years have a fabulous opportunity to equip themselves with some new skills and rejuvenate their careers. Underemployment is also likely to reduce with availability of new jobs.
Many states in India like Kerala, Telangana, UP & Tamil Nadu have redesigned their engineering, polytechnic & ITI courses to involve EV education as well.
