New Delhi, Sep 23: Jindal Stainless is strengthening the digital capabilities of its workforce through a new partnership with NASSCOM’s FutureSkills Prime, as technology increasingly becomes part of day-to-day manufacturing operations.
Under the partnership, employees across the company will have access to learning programmes covering Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and digital leadership. The platform offers both self-paced and instructor-led programmes, ranging from foundational digital skills to advanced courses, along with certification opportunities.
The initiative comes as manufacturing moves beyond conventional production methods towards connected and data-driven factories. Technologies such as IoT sensors, analytics and digital production systems are increasingly being used to monitor equipment, track production performance, improve quality and support faster decision-making.
For workers on the shop floor, digital skills can help in understanding machine data, monitoring automated systems and identifying operational issues at an early stage. In maintenance, data from connected equipment can support predictive maintenance by helping teams detect unusual patterns before they develop into major equipment failures.
Digital capabilities are equally relevant in other functions. Production planners can use data to improve scheduling, logistics teams can track material movement digitally, while quality teams can use analytics to identify recurring defects and improve processes. Cybersecurity skills are also becoming increasingly important as manufacturing systems become more connected.
Jindal Stainless is already advancing its Smart Factory 4.0 programme at its Hisar and Jajpur facilities, including digital manufacturing platforms and Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling systems. The new skilling initiative is aimed at helping employees build the capabilities required to effectively use such technologies.
The partnership also comes against the backdrop of a wider skills requirement in the stainless-steel ecosystem. A workforce assessment commissioned by Jindal Stainless and conducted by PwC, covering 1,904 respondents across nine states, found that only one in three independent fabricators surveyed was skilled. The study also found that trained fabricators earned nearly 14 per cent more than their untrained counterparts, highlighting the economic value of industry-linked skilling.
Jindal Stainless has been expanding its broader workforce-development efforts as well. Earlier this month, the company received recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) as an Awarding Body, enabling it to develop and offer government-recognised, industry-led qualifications for the stainless-steel ecosystem.
The latest partnership with FutureSkills Prime adds another layer to these efforts by bringing emerging digital technologies into employee learning. As factories become more automated and connected, the ability to combine traditional manufacturing expertise with data, digital tools and emerging technologies is becoming increasingly important.
For the manufacturing sector, the shift is not simply about adopting smarter machines. It is also about preparing the people who operate, maintain and manage them. A digitally skilled workforce can help companies make better use of technology while supporting productivity, operational efficiency and the transition towards Industry 4.0.