Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer at Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) and Ex Director HR of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, is a distinguished HR leader with extensive expertise in workforce development, HR transformation, and leadership development. His career spans over three decades, during which he has played a pivotal role in strategic HR initiatives, skill enhancement programs, and policy reforms in the power sector. His Reflections on 2024 and Resolutions for 2025 outline a forward-thinking approach towards youth skill development, AI-driven training, and partnership-driven learning to prepare India’s workforce for the evolving energy landscape.
Reflections on 2024:
We have successfully developed a skilled workforce under various government initiatives, including PMKVY 4.0, DDUGKY, and several state-level skill development programs. These initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing the employability and capabilities of individuals, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of various sectors, including the power and energy industries. By aligning with these government schemes, we are contributing to the broader goal of empowering youth, improving livelihood opportunities, and fostering a skilled workforce ready to drive the nation’s growth and development.
One of our key accomplishments this year has been the launch of a training program through a strategic collaboration with two prominent DISCOMs, BSES and KSEB, in alignment with the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply Regulations, 2022. According to these regulations, existing employees providing technical assistance to engineers or supervisors but lacking the requisite qualifications must undergo training through the Power Sector Skill Council or other CEA-recognized institutes. This training, focused on trade-specific courses, must be completed within two years from the notification of these regulations to obtain the necessary certification. By providing workers—whether linemen, helpers, or others—with crucial safety certifications, we are ensuring they are better equipped to handle the challenges of their roles. This initiative will not only enhance the skills of the workforce but also elevate safety standards, fostering a more confident and capable workforce. With the support of the CEA, we are confident that we can quickly scale this program to other DISCOMs, contributing to a safer and more proficient workforce across the sector.
“Our collaboration with DISCOMs like BSES and KSEB ensures workers receive crucial safety certifications, enhancing safety standards across the sector.”
In the Distribution Sector, the Government of India has been supporting States and Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) through various schemes since 2014. Now, the government has introduced the RDSS scheme to fulfil its commitment to providing 24×7 uninterrupted, quality, reliable, and affordable power supply. A key initiative under this scheme is the installation of smart meters at a mass level at consumer endpoints. To ensure the workforce is ready for the installation and commissioning of these meters at the ground level, a skilled workforce is essential. In line with this vision, under the PFC CSR initiative, we have successfully trained 495 candidates in different states for the role of Energy Meter Technician. Additionally, we have undertaken the task of training 6,000 candidates across 33 districts in India for the role of Junior Technician, Smart Energy Meter, under the CSR program of POWERGRID. I am pleased to share that we have commenced training at several locations in Short-Term Training (STT) mode and RPL Mode, under the supervision of POWERGRID. This initiative will help prepare a capable workforce to meet the growing demands of smart metering infrastructure across the country.
The Government of India envisions making India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. In alignment with this vision, we have developed three job roles focused on Green Hydrogen and are currently working on four additional roles under development. To ensure the workforce is prepared for the emerging opportunities in this sector, we have begun collaborating with institutions and industry experts. This proactive approach will help us equip the future workforce with the skills necessary to drive the growth of Green Hydrogen in India.
“By aligning with government schemes such as PMKVY 4.0 and DDUGKY, we are empowering youth and improving livelihood opportunities.”
We have signed an MOU with Power Foundation India (PFI) to provide training on electrical and mechanical safety for workers employed at biomass pellet manufacturing plants in Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP. This collaboration aims to enhance safety standards by equipping workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to follow safety protocols effectively, ensuring their protection and minimizing the risk of accidents in the workplace.
We have also signed an MOU with KP Group and successfully trained 54 individuals in Renewable Energy (RE). This collaboration focuses on equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to support the growing renewable energy sector, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the industry.
Furthermore, we have signed an MOU with L&T Edutech as our knowledge partner to enhance the quality of training. This partnership aims to leverage L&T Edutech’s expertise in education and technology to provide advanced, industry-relevant training programs.
“Through collaborations with industry leaders like L&T Edutech and UCAP, we are enhancing the quality of training with advanced, industry-relevant programs.”
We have also signed an MOU with UCAP and developed courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, and Data Science. This collaboration focuses on creating industry-relevant, future-ready training programs to equip individuals with cutting-edge skills in these high-demand fields.
In addition, we are working on a rooftop solar project in collaboration with NTPC SIPAT and are ready to start a training program in collaboration with REC, PFC, NTPC, and NHPC on Smart Meter Technology. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to install, maintain, and operate smart meters, which are essential for modernizing the energy sector.
These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to not only developing a highly skilled workforce but also contributing to the growth and sustainability of the energy sector in India. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to supporting the transformation of the sector and empowering the workforce of tomorrow.
Resolutions for 2025:
As we step into 2025, we are resolute in our commitment to continue our journey of skill development, with a renewed focus on equipping the youth of India with the knowledge and capabilities essential to thrive in the rapidly evolving energy sector. The groundwork laid in 2024 has been pivotal, and as we look ahead, we are more dedicated than ever to ensuring that the next generation of professionals is prepared to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth and development.
This year, we will build on the momentum we have established, focusing on empowering young talent to lead in emerging sectors that are crucial to India’s clean energy transition. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, as we work towards developing a workforce that is not only skilled in traditional energy sectors but also adaptable to the rapid advancements in new and innovative technologies.
“We are committed to empowering young talent with the skills to lead in emerging sectors, driving India’s clean energy transition.”
In 2025, we will expand our training initiatives to include a broader range of critical areas, such as renewable energy, electrical safety, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Drone Technology. These fields represent the future of the energy industry, and we are committed to equipping young professionals with the expertise they need to spearhead transformative changes in the sector.
To amplify the impact of our efforts, we plan to strengthen our collaborations with leading DISCOMs, TRANSCOs, and generation companies. By working closely with industry leaders, we aim to ensure that our training programs align with the evolving needs of the energy sector and emerging trends in energy production and distribution. These partnerships will provide trainees with practical, hands-on experience, while also preparing the workforce to support the latest infrastructure projects that will shape the future of energy in India.
“By strengthening collaborations with industry leaders, we aim to provide hands-on training that prepares the workforce for the future of energy in India.”
In addition to these efforts, we will continue our successful collaborations with organizations such as REC, PFC, NTPC, and NHPC, launching new training programs focused on Smart Meter Technology. The adoption of smart meters is a key initiative in modernizing India’s energy infrastructure, and we are dedicated to training a skilled workforce that will play a critical role in the nationwide roll-out of this technology.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are filled with optimism and confidence in the impact of our work. By providing the youth of India with the skills, knowledge, and training they need today, we are ensuring that they will be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to lead the way toward a sustainable, technologically advanced energy future, driving India’s transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape.
Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh’s reflections on 2024 emphasize the Power Sector Skill Council’s continued efforts in workforce transformation, government partnerships, and AI-driven skill development. His 2025 resolutions focus on youth empowerment, technology-driven learning, and collaborative growth, positioning PSSC as a key enabler in preparing the next generation of energy professionals for a dynamic industry landscape.
Read Also : Entering 2025, TA Leaders’ Success Built on More than Just Hiring, Says The Josh Bersin Company
People Analytics Teams Still Struggle to Deliver Business Impact, Warns The Josh Bersin Company
ESG and Women’s Leadership: Driving Sustainability and Inclusion
Learning and Development Trends for 2025: Shaping the Future of Workplace Learning
