POWERCON Group, a global renewable energy asset creation and management company, has appointed Suresh Darade as Chief Skills Officer (CSO) of its Centre Of Renewable Energy (CORE), the group’s dedicated platform for renewable energy education, workforce development and industry skill enhancement.
In his new role, Darade will lead CORE’s efforts to expand industry-focused, technology-driven and practical skills development programmes, supporting the institution’s vision of becoming a globally recognised renewable energy university integrating education, research, innovation, industry collaboration and leadership development.
Darade brings several decades of experience in technical education, workforce capability development and industry skilling. Prior to joining POWERCON Group, he held leadership roles in learning and development functions at organisations including Bosch India, Schaeffler, Tata Motors, ITM Vocational University and Symbiosis Skills & Professional University.
Most recently, at BSA Group, Darade led industry-oriented training programmes, developed work-based dual-skilling models and implemented competency-based learning frameworks aligned with national skill standards. His experience includes designing large-scale workforce development initiatives, technical competency programmes and organisational capability-building strategies across multiple sectors.
As Chief Skills Officer, Darade will focus on strengthening CORE’s partnerships with industry, academia, government bodies, Sector Skill Councils and training institutions. He will also work towards developing renewable energy learning programmes aligned with evolving industry requirements and global skill frameworks.
Commenting on the appointment, Col. (Dr.) Bharat Sharma, Executive Director, POWERCON Group, said the renewable energy sector requires a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to support its rapid growth.
“CORE was established to bridge the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities. Suresh Darade’s extensive experience in skills development, competency building and workforce transformation will help us accelerate this vision and strengthen our contribution towards developing the next generation of renewable energy professionals and leaders,” Sharma said.
Darade said the renewable energy transition requires a highly skilled workforce and highlighted the importance of competency-based, industry-driven learning programmes to prepare students, trainees and professionals for future opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Praveen Kakulte, Founder and CEO, POWERCON Group, said the success of the renewable energy sector depends not only on infrastructure and technology but also on skilled professionals capable of designing, building and managing clean energy assets.
He added that CORE aims to evolve into a globally recognised institution dedicated exclusively to renewable energy and clean technology, bringing together education, applied research, innovation and industry collaboration.
POWERCON Group said CORE has already trained, assessed and certified more than 6,000 students, technicians and renewable energy professionals. The institution plans to expand collaborations with industry, academic institutions, government agencies and global partners to strengthen India’s renewable energy skills ecosystem and support international talent mobility.
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