REIMAGINING TALENT: HR STRATEGIES FOR RESKILLING AND UPSKILLING IN NASHIK'S SERVICE SECTOR AMIDST INDUSTRY 4.0

Abstract

This study investigates the strategic implementation of reskilling and upskilling programs within the service sector of Nashik city as a crucial response to the pervasive workforce transformation driven by Industry 4.0. Nashik, a rapidly evolving Tier-2 city and a growing hub for IT, finance, and logistics, presents a unique micro-environment where the demands for modern skills are accelerating. Through a primary survey of 50 Human Resource (HR) professionals and 100 employees from renowned local service sector companies and various large-scale hospitals and financial institutions, this research explores the existing skills landscape, the prominence of the AI skills gap, and the success of current HR interventions. Key findings reveal a significant challenge in balancing the tech-savvy expectations of the new generation with the pronounced technological hesitancy among older employees. The data underscores a high awareness of the need for Active Learning and Analytical Thinking but also identifies a critical disconnect, with 85% of HRs citing a lack of dedicated time for training and 60% of older employees expressing fear of job redundancy due to AI integration. The study concludes that for Nashik's service sector to sustain its growth and competitiveness, HR must adopt a tailored, empathetic, and data-driven approach that strategically uses upskilling and reskilling to convert internal talent into a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Keywords: Industry 4.0, Service Sector, Nashik City, Workforce Transformation, Reskilling, Upskilling, AI Skills, Employee Hesitancy, Strategic HR