Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Private Limited(HHPE), a leading manufacturer of industrial ups, it & infra ups, medium & low voltage drives, solar central & string inverters, and air compressors, has established a partnership with Vishwakarma Government Engineering College (VGEC), Chandkheda-Ahmedabad, an Engineering College of Ahmedabad. This collaboration aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of recently recruited Graduate Engineer Apprentices (GEAs) within the Customer Support Division (CSD) of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics.

 

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Auditorium of Vishwakarma Government Engineering College (VGEC) on July 5, 2024. In the gracious presence of Shri Banchhanidhi Pani (IAS), Commissioner of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, and Darshan A Shah, Managing Director, Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics along with Dr V. S. Purani, Principal, VGEC, the event signified a joint commitment to knowledge sharing, practical exposure, and industry-academia collaboration, in presence of VGEC staff, Hitachi Hi-Rel senior officials and students.

 

The ceremony began with a warm welcome to all attendees, including representatives from both Hitachi Hi-Rel and VGEC, setting the tone for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The lamp lighting ceremony symbolised the fusion of academia and industry, emphasising the commitment to fostering learning and innovation. VGEC’s representative provided an overview of the structured classroom training program designed for Hitachi Hi-Rel’s GEAs, highlighting the curriculum, practical sessions, and mentorship opportunities.

 

The formal signing & exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dr V. S. Purani, Principal, VGEC and Kapil Bijani, CHRO & President – IT, Hitachi Hi-Rel during the event solidified the commitment to skill development, collaboration, joint research and knowledge exchange.

 

Banchhanidhi Pani, Commissioner, Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating that it marks a positive beginning and a significant achievement for both Hitachi Hi-Rel and VGEC. He encouraged students and professionals to look beyond superficial gains and delve into the fundamental knowledge of power electronics education, recognising its essential role in long-term success.

 

Darshan A Shah, Managing Director, Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, expressed the belief that partnerships with educational institutions like VGEC are essential. He encouraged apprentices to embrace curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. He envisioned a collaborative journey wherein academia and industry shape the future development of power electronics ecosystem. He also expressed that there is further need for industry & academia partnership of this kind in Gujarat for mutual benefit and for instilling practical knowledge in new breed of engineers.

 

Kapil Bijani, CHRO and President - IT, Hitachi Hi-Rel vibrated this sentiment, emphasising the importance of taking such programs seriously. Strengthening their power electronics knowledge base will undoubtedly benefit the GEAs in their future endeavours. He also expressed that industry and academic institutes should work towards gaining patents for their work and that way India as a nation will be acknowledged in the global space.  

J. K. Soni, VP - Customer Service Division, Hitachi Hi-Rel provided insights into the program’s structure and benefits, highlighting how practical exposure and expert guidance will empower the next generation of engineers. He emphasised the need for Safety during the program also welcomed the new GEAs into this maiden program between HHPE & VGEC.

 

N.N. Wadode, Deputy Director of Training, Board of Apprenticeship Training (WR region, Mumbai), emphasised the significance of Graduate Engineer apprenticeships in preparing students for the professional world through hands-on experience.

 

This collaboration marks a step toward empowering GEAs through practical exposure and expert guidance. Hitachi Hi-Rel looks forward to a fruitful partnership with VGEC.