Manitou: Addressing Skill Shortages in India's Construction Industry
Kulwinder Kumar - National Key Accounts Manager, Manitou
Skill shortages in the construction industry can significantly impact project timelines, costs, and overall success. Delays often occur when there aren't enough skilled workers to complete tasks on time, leading to project extensions and increased expenses due to overtime or subcontracting. Additionally, inexperienced workers may make errors, resulting in rework and additional costs. Overall, skill shortages can hinder productivity, increase project expenses, and compromise quality, ultimately affecting project success.
To effectively overcome the skill shortage in India's construction industry, the government and industry must address several key challenges:
- Training Infrastructure: Enhancing and expanding training facilities to accommodate a larger number of aspiring operators and technicians is essential. This includes investing in vocational training institutes, updating curriculum to meet industry needs, and providing access to modern equipment and technologies.
- Awareness of multi-purpose machines: Changing societal perceptions about traditional machines is crucial. Promoting the multi-purpose machines as a viable and respectable option can attract savings in terms of lesser manpower, inventory, maintenance, and a safer environment.
- Industry Collaboration: Foster closer collaboration between the government, industry associations, and educational institutions to develop targeted training programs that address specific skill gaps. Industry input is critical to ensure that training programs align with current and future industry requirements.
- Incentives and Support: Providing financial incentives, scholarships, and other support mechanisms can encourage individuals to pursue careers in their respective fields. This could include subsidized training programs, student loans, or tax incentives for companies investing in workforce development initiatives.
- Worker Mobility: Facilitating labor mobility across regions can help alleviate skill shortages in areas with high demand. This may involve creating mechanisms for temporary relocation, providing housing assistance, or offering transportation subsidies.
- Technology Adoption: Embracing technology and innovation can enhance productivity and efficiency, reducing reliance on manual labor. Training programs should include modules on the use of advanced construction technologies such as Easy Manager (Remote Monitoring).
Several skill sets are currently in high demand due to rapid technological advancements. Some of these include:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: With the proliferation of big data, there is a growing need for professionals who can collect, analyze, and interpret data to derive actionable insights for businesses across various industries.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning expertise is increasingly sought after as organizations look to automate processes, improve decision-making, and develop intelligent systems and applications.
- Cyber Security: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, there is a heightened demand for cyber security professionals who can safeguard digital assets, protect against cyber attacks, and ensure data privacy and compliance.
- Digital Marketing: In the digital age, businesses require skilled professionals who can leverage digital channels effectively to reach and engage target audiences, drive customer acquisition and retention, and analyze campaign performance.
Manitou has participated in Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2.0 organised by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2021-22. We have given Operator Training to more than 500 existing operators in our regional SSP (Sales & Service Points) in North, South, East & West along with our dealers to promote skill development and reskilling among operators. During the training, we covered safe operations, proper maintenance of the machine, and trainees were made familiar with new machines like the telehandler along with regular machines like backhoe loader and skid steer loader. They got a certificate from NSDC and a stipend from the government as well.
We have regular programs at our training centre in our Greater Noida factory, our own SSP’s, and at the customer’s premises for upgradation of technicians’ skills.
We have regular Operator & Technician Meetings across the country at our own SSP’s and at our Dealer’s premises where we explain the latest features and technologies that have been added in the machines.
NBM&CW - May 2024
