Cisco and Rockwell Automation Partner to Bridge Digital Skills Gap in Manufacturing

Cisco and Rockwell Automation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ program in India, addressing the growing digital skills gap in the country’s manufacturing sector. The program aims to empower the next generation of workers by equipping them with essential digital skills in areas such as cybersecurity, AI, networking, IoT, data science, programming, and automation technologies.

Key Features of the Program:

• Curriculum Focus: The program combines IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) training, providing globally recognized certifications and training modules.
• Goal: Enhance digital literacy, attract top talent, improve productivity, accelerate career growth, and bridge the digital divide.
• Target Areas: Focus on critical manufacturing needs such as AI, IoT, automation, and cybersecurity, which are fundamental in transforming the sector into a smart, digitally integrated environment.

Why This Matters:

India is aiming to be a global manufacturing hub by 2030, with a vision of exporting goods worth USD 1 trillion. However, a significant skills gap remains, with an estimated 10 million trained professionals needed by FY 2027-28 to meet the demands of industries like electronics manufacturing. The shortage of skilled workers is a major barrier to the sector's growth.

Partnerships and Training Impact:

• The Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) has already trained over 2.2 million students in India, helping prepare workers for the future with skills in networking, programming, and cybersecurity.
• Rockwell Automation offers specialized training solutions to help businesses and academic institutions upskill employees in automation technologies, using a mix of virtual and instructor-led courses.

Industry Support and Vision:

• Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC, emphasizes the importance of AI and emerging technologies in shaping the future of the manufacturing sector, noting that industries without skilled talent risk falling behind.
• Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, highlights the urgency of upskilling to keep pace with technological advancements and make India’s manufacturing sector globally competitive.

About the Companies:

• Rockwell Automation is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, helping industries connect people with technology for improved productivity and sustainability.
• Cisco is revolutionizing how organizations connect and protect in the AI era, with a strong focus on driving innovation and digital resilience.

This collaboration between Cisco and Rockwell Automation is a step forward in ensuring that India’s manufacturing sector can meet future challenges through a digitally skilled workforce.