Upskilling the next generation

How would you describe the role of the Indian Construction Equipment industry in contributing to employment generation across various segments of the value chain (OEMs, component suppliers, dealers, operators, etc.)?

- Deepak Shetty, President, ICEMA and CEO & MD, JCB India

The CE industry is a key enabler of employment across the infrastructure value chain. From OEMs and component manufacturers to dealers, rental companies, and operators, the industry supports a wide spectrum of livelihoods. At the manufacturing end, large OEMs and a vast network of MSMEs generate employment in design, fabrication, assembly, and quality assurance. The dealer and aftermarket ecosystem adds further opportunities in sales, servicing, logistics, and support.

Importantly, the CE industry currently employs 3 to 4 million people (directly & indirectly) including trained equipment operators and mechanics, many of whom are deployed in infrastructure projects across India's heartland.

As infrastructure investments continue under national programs like PM Gati Shakti and NIP, the CE industry will remain a catalyst for inclusive job creation, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods—supporting India's vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

What are the major skill development initiatives undertaken by ICEMA and its members to upskill operators, mechanics, and technicians? How do these initiatives align with the Government of India's skill development missions?

Skill development remains a cornerstone of ICEMA's vision for building a future-ready and globally competitive Construction Equipment industry.

ICEMA, in close collaboration with the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC), has spearheaded a range of initiatives aimed at upskilling operators, mechanics, and service technicians across the country. These programs focus on both foundational and advanced skills, ensuring alignment with evolving technology trends and safety standards.