Revving Up Talent Acquisition: Addressing Skill Gaps in the Auto Industry

The Indian auto industry is crucial to the country’s economic growth, contributing over 7% to the nation’s GDP. The automotive industry must evolve amidst digital disruption and remain attuned to the changing trends and practices to continue its rapid growth.

The industry is facing a significant transformation due to technological changes and the rapid rise of Industry 4.0 and EVs. Training and reskilling the workforce is essential to ensure that professionals in the automobile sector have the in-demand skills and are prepared for these developments.

There is a growing demand for skills in automotive tech, programming, and advanced electronics, such as robotics engineering and auto connectivity. Besides tech skills, transformative skills, such as strategy formulation, risk management, and team building, are equally crucial for the industry.

The talent pool for these skills is growing, but the demand-supply ratio is still extremely skewed in favor of employees. Without addressing this skills gap, there is a risk of falling behind in the global automotive market and hindering the nation’s progress toward self-reliance. Investment in comprehensive upskilling programs is vital to equip professionals with future-demanding skills, enhancing workforce efficiency and productivity.

The future of automotive companies will be driven by an amalgamation of innovative design and cutting-edge tech. This will further fuel the rising demand for skills like big data analytics, AI, Human-Machine Interface (HMI), 3D printing, leadership, and cybersecurity.

Companies must devise effective talent acquisition strategies to hire professionals with the skills required for the automobile industry. Companies must also have strategies for training and retaining skilled employees who can drive innovation and ensure sustainable growth.

• Conduct Skill-based Hiring: Companies need to analyze the market to identify the in-demand skills in the automotive industry. This process involves closely examining the automotive sector’s evolving trends, technologies, and challenges. This data can help curate job descriptions with the right skills needed for the role. For instance, a tech professional with a deep understanding of AI and Machine Learning could be a valuable asset to the automotive industry, particularly in developing autonomous driving technologies.
• Creating a Talent Pipeline Through Collaboration: Leveraging partnerships with academic institutions, government departments, and industry experts, alongside active participation in forums, enables companies to identify potential sources to strengthen their talent pool. By partnering with universities and vocational training centers, automobile companies can gain early access to promising talent. By providing students with opportunities for practical learning and introducing them to the latest technologies in the industry, they can create a pool of young professionals eager to make contributions that will drive growth.
• Create Learning Programs: The success of the Indian automotive industry relies on its capacity to attract and retain professionals with in-demand skills. Recruitment should prioritize skills in demand, potential, and ability. Offering tailored learning programs can equip freshers with the knowledge to navigate new policies, while structured training can provide a career roadmap for both experienced professionals and emerging talent. Moreover, with India’s 2030 goal for 100% EV sales, it’s crucial for auto companies to align with this vision. To achieve this, companies must provide comprehensive learning and development programs that offer training, certifications, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Strong Company Culture: In the Indian automotive industry, strong company culture is key to attracting and retaining top talent. For instance, a company’s culture and brand value can attract a highly-skilled analytics expert or a predictive maintenance expert. Companies must offer robust remuneration, flexible hours, and promote a healthy work-life balance, thereby boosting employee commitment and satisfaction. This can be one of the most effective talent management models for companies. Companies in India’s automobile industry can also gain a competitive edge by promoting diversity and inclusion. Through proactive initiatives such as inclusive hiring and creating a diverse workplace, they can attract more talented professionals and retain the best ones.

Talent acquisition leaders need both industry knowledge and effective hiring strategies to bridge skill gaps in the automotive industry. Taggd, a leading digital recruitment platform in India, emerges as a valuable partner for automobile companies looking for effective niche hiring strategies and retaining skilled employees. 

Taggd’s dedication to staying ahead of market trends and developments is evident through its annual surveys, panel discussions with industry experts and talent acquisition leaders, and Career Circles Live. By engaging with key players in the automobile industry, Taggd gains a comprehensive understanding of the evolving skills landscape, making them well-equipped to support companies in their talent acquisition endeavors.

Partner with Taggd to keep yourself updated with the latest auto industry intel and adopt the best talent acquisition strategies.