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National Engineering Day 2024: Call it a thirst for learning or a poor economic situation, engineers are constantly seeking to upgrade their skills and stay competitive. Most technical institutes have recently started courses on data analysis and artificial intelligence. However, online platforms have provided short or degree courses for freshers and professionals for a decade. A survey by the ed-tech platform Great Learning suggests 89 per cent plan to acquire hard skills this year, with AI/ML being the most sought-after area, among which 86 per cent expressed a demand for upskilling in Generative AI.
AI skills are becoming increasingly important for future engineers, Anurag Gupta, co-founder of STEMROBO, a coding-based EdTech Company said. As industries move toward automation, data analysis, and innovative technologies, the need for engineers who understand AI is growing fast. In fact, by 2030, nearly 1 million AI-related jobs are expected to be available in India alone, the co-founder added saying that to meet this demand, it is important to start learning AI and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) from an early age. This allows students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining hands-on experience with new technologies. Students with early exposure to AI STEM education at a young age are more likely to pursue advanced degrees in these fields and enter STEM-related careers.
As per the online learning platforms including Coursera and Udemy, the most in-demand skills for engineers include GenAI courses, Python programming, algorithms, artificial neural networks, data analysis, Microsoft Excel, presentation leadership, SQL (Structured Query Language), and cybersecurity.
The most popular GenAI courses in India for the past one year are Introduction to Generative AI, Generative AI for Everyone, Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT and Google AI Essentials. There is 1,648 per cent increase in GenAI course enrollments in Coursera alone. For most of the machine learning courses, 80-82 per cent increase in enrollment is seen and according to data obtained in EdTech platforms, a 20-25 per cent increase in enrollment is also seen among the most popular technology courses in India in the past 12 months.
The table below shows the key courses and their focus areas, giving engineers a clear path for upskilling in various high-demand sectors in India.
| Category | Course title | Skills/ topics covered |
| Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | AI and Machine Learning Specialization | AI, Machine Learning Algorithms, Python |
| Deep Learning | Neural Networks, Deep Learning Technologies | |
| AI for India 2.0 | AI Concepts, Indian Industry-Specific AI Applications | |
| Data Science & Big Data Analytics | PG Programme in Data Science | Data Science, Machine Learning, R, Python |
| Data Analytics with Python | Data Analysis, Python, Pandas, Data Visualization | |
| Big Data Engineering | Hadoop, Spark, Data Management | |
| Cloud Computing & DevOps | AWS Solutions Architect Certification | Cloud Infrastructure, AWS Services, Cloud Security |
| Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Azure Cloud Architecture, Security, Networking | |
| DevOps Practitioner Certification | DevOps Tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Git) | |
| Cybersecurity | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing |
| CompTIA Security+ Certification | Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Network Security, Risk Management | |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Information Security Management, Cybersecurity | |
| Full-Stack Web Development | Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB |
| ReactJS and AngularJS | Front-End Development, React, Angular Frameworks | |
| Blockchain Technology | Certified Blockchain Developer | Blockchain Basics, Cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Applications (DApps) |
| Blockchain Certification Program | Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Cryptography | |
| Robotics & Automation | Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Certification | RPA Tools, Automation Techniques, Blue Prism, UiPath |
| Industrial Automation | PLC, SCADA, Robotics, Automation in Manufacturing | |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | IoT Certification Training | IoT, Embedded Systems, Communication Protocols |
| IoT Specialization | IoT Fundamentals, Programming for IoT, Sensors | |
| Renewable Energy & Sustainability | Solar Energy Engineering | Solar Power Systems, PV Technology, Energy Management |
| Wind Energy Certification | Wind Turbines, Renewable Energy Systems | |
| VLSI Design & Embedded Systems | VLSI Design and Verification | VLSI Design, Circuit Simulation, Semiconductor Technologies |
| Embedded Systems Design | Embedded Systems, Microcontrollers, C Programming | |
| Automation & Industrial Skills | Siemens PLC Programming | PLC Programming, Industrial Automation, Control Systems |
| CNC Programming & AutoCAD | CNC Machine Programming, AutoCAD for Design | |
| Software Development & Mobile App Development | Android Development with Kotlin | Android App Development, Kotlin Programming |
| iOS Development | Swift, Xcode, iOS App Development | |
| Soft Skills & Management | Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification | Project Management, Agile, Leadership |
| Six Sigma Green Belt Certification | Process Improvement, Quality Management, Lean Six Sigma | |
| Communication Skills for Engineers | Communication, Collaboration, Leadership | |
| 5G Technology | 5G Essentials for Engineers | 5G Networks, Telecommunications, Wireless Communication |
According to data accessed by indianexpress.com from Coursera, these are some popular electrical engineering and mechanical engineering courses that saw a 10 per cent increase in its enrollments in the past 12 months.
Interests in courses including in 3D CAD fundamental, robotics: aerial robotics, cyber security in manufacturing and machine design are seen by mechanical engineering students to skill themselves. Courses under electrical engineering like computer architecture, 5G for everyone and approximation methods are gaining popularity.
There are also certain other offbeat courses opted by engineers to skill themselves. These include introduction to computers and office productivity software, everyday Excel, effective problem-solving and decision making and emotional and social intelligence.
