DGT and Shell India Launch EV Skill Labs to Empower Youth for Green Jobs

The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Shell India, has launched a pioneering training initiative focused on Electric Vehicles (EV) and Green Skills.

This joint effort aims to equip youth across India with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving green energy sector. The program, implemented by Edunet Foundation, will initially be rolled out across selected Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in five states—Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

As part of this initiative, state-of-the-art EV skill labs will be set up in select ITIs and NSTIs to provide hands-on training in electric mobility and sustainable technologies. The training program will follow a structured multi-tier model. It includes a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at four NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational Green Skills module at additional ITIs without physical labs.

The curriculum has been jointly developed by Shell India, DGT, and Edunet Foundation and covers vital areas such as EV systems, battery technology, diagnostics, digital tools, and safety procedures. Over 250 instructors will also be trained under the Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative to ensure high-quality education. Participants will receive co-branded certifications from Shell and DGT, along with structured placement support to boost their employment prospects.

This initiative is aligned with India’s larger green economy vision and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. By focusing on skills for the green energy transition, it supports national missions such as FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) and state-level EV policies. These efforts aim to accelerate electric mobility adoption, build local green ecosystems, and create large-scale employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized the broader impact of this collaboration. He stated that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to linking skill development with sustainability, noting that green energy and climate goals offer India a chance to lead globally through innovation and talent.

Director General of DGT, Trishaljit Sethi, highlighted that the integration of EV technologies into vocational training will provide students with practical knowledge aligned with real-world industry requirements, thus improving employability.

Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson of Shell Group of Companies in India, also expressed optimism, stating that empowering youth with skills in green energy is crucial for shaping a lower-carbon future. Through this partnership, Shell is supporting communities by equipping young individuals with expertise to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy transition.

This initiative marks a significant step in creating a skilled, climate-ready workforce and positioning India as a leader in the global green economy.

Source: PIB