Canon India Enhances Its Apprenticeship Training Program Under Skill India Initiative in Collaboration with JIM

* Further solidifies commitment to empowering the youth in the customer service industry  

In a significant step towards advancing skill development and empowering the youth, Canon India today announced the enhancement of its Apprenticeship Training Program in collaboration with the Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM). Originally launched in 2015 as part of the Skill India initiative, Canon India’s Apprenticeship Program annually onboards 30-35 apprentices across various locations in India. Now, through this new collaboration, Canon aims to further strengthen and standardize the program, centered at the Canon Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) in Noida. 

The Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing represents a collaborative effort between Japan and India, established under a 2016 MOU between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Canon’s newly enhanced Apprenticeship Training Program with JIM offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip engineering graduates and diploma holders with essential skills. The new program brings with it a more structured framework, facilitating standardized training at the CTEC facility and thereby enabling increased opportunities for in-person collaboration and allows apprentices to learn the Japanese methods of service orientation more effectively. 

Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President & CEO, Canon India, stated, “Talent is a critical contributing factor to the success of an industry, and Canon is committed to empowering the youth of India with relevant and cutting-edge skills. Recognizing the transformative power of education and skill development, the Apprenticeship Training Program aims to equip young engineers with the latest technical expertise while also instilling in them the values of innovation and excellence. Through our partnership with the Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing, we are striving to nurture future experts who will drive progress in the service and manufacturing sectors. The program, designed by experts in the business, reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately contributing to the growth of India.” 

Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers  

Canon India’s Apprenticeship Training Program, targeting both engineering graduates and diploma holders, now features a comprehensive, year-long curriculum. The program unfolds in three structured phases: beginning with an induction phase that emphasizes elementary learnings such as soft skills and system skills; progressing to on-the-job training that combines product skills with service practices; and culminating in advanced training focused on product maintenance through final assessments.  

Over the course of one year, trainees will gain knowledge and experience in key areas such as Kaizen, 5S, product principles, customer service techniques, and communication skills. The exhaustive curriculum includes training on customer service processes, Canon’s products, Japanese philosophies, computer/IT skills covering network basics and software applications, and technical skills for troubleshooting entry and mid-level products. This extensive training involves 4 weeks of online learning, 4 weeks of classroom instruction, and 40 weeks of on-the-job training. Upon completing the program, Canon will maintain a talent pool for potential internal hiring and provide opportunities for apprentices to join service partners across India, ensuring robust career prospects. 

Ms. Shikha Rai, Senior Vice President of HR & IT, Canon India, added, “The Apprenticeship Program at Canon India is being further strengthened under the JIM initiative. For the young technical workforce joining us under the program; we ensure that they develop into confident and competent professionals with a good foundation of organizational culture, product knowledge, customer handling skills and hands-on servicing skills. The Apprenticeship Program not only makes them job-ready but also aims towards their holistic development by instilling Canon's corporate values like the San-ji Spirit of ‘Three Self’s’—self-motivation, self-management, and self-awareness and Japanese business practices like punctuality, Kaizen, Horenso, 5S, PDCA etc. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing talent and creating future leaders.” 

Mr. Rahul Goel, Senior Director of Service & Engineering Centre, Canon India, emphasized, “In the service industry, a skilled workforce is the backbone of customer delight, thereby enabling exceptional after sales experiences for customers. Canon’s specially curated and enhanced apprenticeship training program in collaboration with JIM aims to provide young engineers with immersive, hands-on training alongside experienced Canon engineers stationed across India. This direct engagement allows apprentices to refine their technical expertise, build robust customer service skills, and also gain comprehensive knowledge of the Canon product portfolio. We are confident that graduates from this program will be exceptionally well-prepared to excel in their careers.” 

Selection Criteria for the Program 

The program will involve graduates and diploma holders from the past three years, including the current year. Eligible candidates will include students from Engineering Diploma/Degree pass outs (Electrical/Electronics). 

About Canon Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) 

Following its motto of ‘Delighting you always,’ Canon India’s Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) was established to maintain industry-leading customer satisfaction. This 40,000 sq/ft facility supports technical infrastructure, and hosts customer and partner outreach activities. Each floor is dedicated to demonstration, learning, skill development, and social responsibility, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure to boost efficiency and delight customers. The Centre is used for primarily increasing the technical skills and product skills of both Canon India (CIPL) personnel as well as the brand’s partner personnel. 

About Canon Inc.  

Canon Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment, industrial equipment, and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes production printers, multifunction office systems, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video and cinematography equipment, network cameras, medical systems and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With about 169,000 employees worldwide, the Canon Group includes manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2023 (ended December 31, 2023) totaled $29.44 billion (at an exchange rate of ¥142=U.S. $1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: global.canon  

About Canon India  

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is the sales and marketing subsidiary of Canon Inc., a world leader in imaging technologies. Having started its operations in 1997, Canon India markets a comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging products and solutions in India. The company today has offices in 10 cities across India with merchandise warehousing facilities at 4 location and employs 1000 staff and over 850 channel partners. Canon India enjoys a vast retail presence across the country through Canon Image Square (CIS) stores, PIXMA Zones, and BIS Lounges. Canon India’s service reach extends to over 632 towns covering 19,118 PIN codes across India – which comprises of 349+ Camera collection points, 15 Camera repair centers, 320+ Printer repair centers, 183 Copier, Scanner and 120 Large Format Printer Sales & Service dealers. (Updated as of April 2024) 

In sync with its corporate tagline- ‘Delighting You Always’, reinforced by World-class technology, Canon offers an extended product portfolio, including Digital Production Printers, Large Format Printers, Commercial Printers, Multi-Functional Devices, Managed Document Services, Inkjet & Laser Printers, Document and Cheque Scanners, Digital Cameras, DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, Cinematic Imaging Products, Surveillance cameras and Medical Imaging products catering to the multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Commercial, Government & PSUs.