Coimbatore has taken a significant step toward becoming a global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub with the launch of the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling Program. This collaborative initiative, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India and Facilitating MSMEs (FaMe) Tamil Nadu, aims to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly expanding EV sector.
The program was inaugurated at the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) Fair Grounds and has garnered interest from over 180 MSMEs. In partnership with various industry associations and organizations, this innovative skilling program demonstrates WRI India’s commitment to facilitating a just transition for MSMEs and workers in India’s automotive and textile sectors.
The program offers structured training opportunities for individuals at all levels within EV MSMEs, ranging from senior and mid-management to both white-collar and blue-collar workers. It operates in parallel tracks, leveraging Coimbatore’s existing industrial ecosystem to accelerate the entry of local businesses into the EV traction motor supply chain.
Furthermore, it equips a broader base of MSMEs with the expertise required to participate in various aspects of EV manufacturing. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Tamil Nadu government’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of an EV motor manufacturing cluster and a common facility center dedicated to the development and testing of electric vehicle motors in Coimbatore.
Future phases of the program will extend to other regions of the state, starting with the Chennai automotive cluster. The collaboration between WRI India and FaMe TN, stemming from a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, aims to bolster Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector by facilitating the adoption of EVs and ensuring a smooth transition from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) industry to the emerging EV industry.
V Arun Roy, Secretary to Government, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, commended the initiative, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s aspirations to become a global EV manufacturing hub. He encouraged MSMEs to capitalize on the skilling program to position themselves as key suppliers in this growing industry.
Ashwini Hingne, Associate Program Director, WRI India, stressed the importance of reskilling and upskilling MSMEs and workers to seize opportunities in the evolving EV component manufacturing space and ensure job security during the transition.
V Thirugnanam, President, CODISSIA, underscored the program’s alignment with the government’s initiatives to boost EV manufacturing in Coimbatore. With strategic initiatives and partnerships in place, Coimbatore is well on its way to becoming a global center for electric vehicle manufacturing, fostering the growth of the MSME sector and creating green jobs in India’s clean mobility ecosystem.
