Rockwell Automation, a global player in industrial automation and digital transformation, has been a cornerstone of innovation and growth in India for over four decades. The company has long recognised that its success hinges on the continuous development of its workforce. As the company has expanded its operations in India and globally, it has placed a significant emphasis on equipping its employees with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly-evolving technological landscape.
One of the most critical components of this strategy is Rockwell Automation University (RAU), an innovative platform designed to empower the next generation of employees, particularly young professionals, to lead the company into the future. “The idea behind RAU was to create a dedicated learning environment that goes beyond traditional training programmes,” says Abhishek Misra, head-HR, Rockwell Automation India. He further adds, “It was envisioned as a dynamic and accessible platform where employees, especially the younger workforce, could continuously upgrade their skills and stay relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving.”
This platform serves as a comprehensive learning hub, offering a wide range of programmes focused on digital automation, functional technological skills and industry-specific knowledge. Recognising the diverse needs of its workforce, RAU provides flexible learning options that employees can access anytime, anywhere.
The curriculum at RAU is continuously updated to reflect the latest industry trends and technological advancements. For instance, the university offers courses on cutting-edge topics such as digital twins, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), generative AI (GenAI) and machine learning (ML). These courses equip employees with the skills needed to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by an aging workforce. As experienced employees retire, there is a pressing need to capture and transfer their knowledge to the next generation of workers. To facilitate this, the university offers AR and VR-based training modules that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling younger employees to learn from the expertise of their predecessors.
“The idea behind RAU was to create a dedicated learning environment that goes beyond traditional training programmes. It was envisioned as a dynamic and accessible platform where employees, especially the younger workforce, could continuously upgrade their skills and stay relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving.”
Abhishek Misra, head-HR, Rockwell Automation india
Rockwell Automation University also serves as a platform for mentorship and networking. Young employees are given the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals and industry experts, both within and outside the company. These interactions are invaluable for young employees looking to build their careers, as they provide insights, guidance and opportunities to learn from those who have already navigated the industry’s complexities.
In addition to RAU, the company has adopted a Seismic Approach to learning and development. This approach focuses on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that employees can effectively translate what they learn into actionable insights.
“One of the key components of the Seismic Approach is the integration of digital tools and platforms that facilitate real-time collaboration and knowledge sharing,” Reveals Misra. For instance, Rockwell has implemented cloud-based software solutions that allow employees to access information, collaborate with colleagues and develop new solutions in a dynamic and interactive manner. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
The Seismic Approach also emphasises the importance of leadership development. As Rockwell continues to expand its presence in India and beyond, there is a growing need for leaders who can navigate the complexities of a global business environment. To meet this need, Rockwell has partnered with a global talent-management firm, to develop a competency-based leadership model. This model is designed to identify and nurture high-potential employees, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the organisation into the future.
Complementing RAU and Seismic, is Workday Learn, a platform that provides employees with leadership and technical skills training. Workday Learn has been a significant success for Rockwell, offering a wide array of courses that cater to both leadership development and technical upskilling. This platform plays a crucial role in preparing employees for the challenges of the modern workplace, ensuring they have the skills needed to advance their careers within the company. For instance, employees can enrol in courses that focus on emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, which are increasingly relevant in the context of Rockwell’s digital-transformation initiatives. By equipping employees with these skills, Workday Learn not only enhances their job security but also positions them for career advancement within the company.
Moreover, Workday Learn supports Rockwell’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering courses that address the unique needs and challenges of different employee groups, including women, Gen Z and millennials.
To measure the impact and effectiveness of these initiatives, Rockwell Automation regularly collects and analyses data on employee engagement, skill development and career progression. This data is then used to refine and improve the programmes, ensuring that they continue to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
“One of the key metrics we use is measuring our employee retention rates,” asserts Misra. By providing employees with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, Rockwell has been able to maintain a high level of employee engagement and reduce turnover. This, in turn, has contributed to the company’s overall growth and success in India and globally.
Despite the success of its training programmes, Rockwell Automation faces several challenges in its efforts to provide job security and career advancement for its employees. One of the primary challenges is keeping pace with the rapid technological changes that are reshaping the industry. To address this, Rockwell is committed to continuously updating its training programmes and investing in new technologies that enhance the learning experience.
Another challenge is ensuring that all employees, regardless of their location or job function, have access to the resources they need to succeed. To overcome this, Rockwell is expanding its digital- learning platforms and increasing the availability of remote-learning options.
Looking ahead, Rockwell Automation remains committed to providing its employees with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. As Rockwell continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to set the standard for employee development and job security in the industry.
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