The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging sector, recently organized a dynamic session on “Current Industry Scenario, Innovative Technology & Skill Development” in New Delhi. This event followed the success of a similar gathering in Pune, continuing the dialogue on crucial themes shaping the forging industry.
The session attracted a diverse group of industry leaders and decision-makers, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Plant Heads, HR Heads, and other senior professionals, to discuss cutting-edge technologies and strategies for workforce upskilling in the forging sector.
The agenda featured three impactful presentations addressing the current industry landscape, energy price risk management, and skill development. The discussions underscored the urgency of adopting innovative technologies and investing in skill enhancement to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness. A key insight from the session was the necessity of strengthening collaboration between industry and academia to develop curricula aligned with emerging technological trends. This alignment aims to equip the workforce with the expertise needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industrial environment.
Prof. (Dr.) Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Government of Haryana, highlighted the university’s initiatives in fostering industry-academia collaborations. He emphasized the critical role these partnerships play in developing a workforce equipped with the skills and expertise required to meet industry needs. Prof. Nehru also showcased a range of industry-aligned curricula offered by the university, designed to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
Mr. Hemal N. Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader and Director, CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics presented the current industry scenario and highlighted the opportunities emerging in defense and aerospace sectors.
The event also featured importance of energy price risk management and the challenges of navigating volatile energy prices amidst global disruptions.
The session also highlighted India’s remarkable manufacturing revival, driven by strategic government initiatives, which presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Rapid technological advancements, geopolitical conflicts, and regulatory complexities are creating hurdles for the industry. A key issue is the skills mismatch in advanced manufacturing, which calls for greater investment in vocational training to meet the demands of the industry.
The session underscored the critical importance of strengthening industry-academia partnerships, particularly in incorporating forging technology into engineering curricula and advancing workforce upskilling initiatives. It emphasized the pressing need for investments in technology and skill development to address the shortage of highly skilled labor and propel India’s growth in advanced manufacturing. AIFI’s forward-thinking approach to tackling these challenges highlights collaboration, innovation, and skill development as pivotal elements driving the future growth of the forging industry.
