Improving Employment Possibilities Through Electric Vehicles
We were joined by Ashhar Shaikh, co-founder of Skillshark, to talk about EV (electric vehicles) education, the EV for Africa program, and improving the employment possibilities for students and workers within India’s job market.
According to Ashhar, education about EV possibilities goes far beyond just learning to build electric vehicles. Skillshark’s mission also includes educating to build the infrastructure and skilled operators necessary to facilitate a whole transportation system. After all, an electric car is no good if there aren’t any charging stations or mechanics able to work on it.
This philosophy extends to Skillshark’s EV for Africa program, which looks to bring an entire electric vehicle infrastructure to Ghana through education. “I personally feel, to penetrate any technology into a market or into any nation, education is the best sector,” said Ashhar, going on to speak on how education leads to sustainability.
In normal circumstances, the program involved Skillshark attending local campuses and educating students on practical applications of EV, even having them convert their own bicycles and vehicles into electric vehicles. However, COVID-related issues prevent in person practical training, so the team is focusing on remote education to teach the fundamentals and theory so that practical education can resume on the other end of the pandemic.
When it comes to their domestic Indian mission, Skillshark isn’t limited to solely EV programs. The team is dedicated to expanding the skillsets of prospective workers in every industry. “Especially in India, unemployment is a problem,” said Ashhar, “But bigger than that, unemployability is the major problem.” Skillshark hopes to fill in the skillset gaps left after traditional education by offering knowledge on a practical level.
In all aspects, Skillshark’s mission is a noble one. As the company expands, more international opportunities will hopefully become available and their expertise will benefit people all around the world. As Ashhar put it, “We definitely want to contribute wherever we can.”
Catch up on all episodes of Roads, Rails, & Rides!
