National Education Day: Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Initiatives Champion Skill Development For India’s Youth

Celebrating National Education Day, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its commitment to bridging the skills gap in India through a wide range of impactful initiatives. With a strong focus on empowering economically underprivileged youth across Karnataka and India, TKM’s educational and vocational training programs are creating pathways to employment, fostering self-reliance, and contributing to India’s industrial growth.

A key pillar of TKM's mission is the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), established in 2007. For over 15 years, TTTI has been providing free, high-quality education to youth from economically underprivileged sections, specializing in automobile manufacturing. The institute offers a rigorous three-year residential training program that not only builds technical skills but also focuses on the holistic development of students. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, a deep understanding of global manufacturing practices, and an active engagement in physical and community-building activities. To address the growing demand for skilled technicians and support women’s empowerment, TKM recently doubled TTTI’s capacity to 1,200 students, with special facilities for up to 600 female students. This expansion includes upgraded residential facilities, advanced classrooms, and the latest equipment, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment for all students.

In line with its commitment to ‘Skill India,’ TKM has introduced the Toyota Kaushalya Program, a two-year course under the “Learn and Earn” model. This program complements TTTI’s regular offerings by allowing students to earn an income while they learn, combining classroom knowledge with on-the-job training (OJT) at Toyota’s facilities. Designed for talented youth from rural Karnataka, the Kaushalya Program empowers students with the specialized skills needed in today’s job market, providing them with valuable industry experience and significantly enhancing their employability.

Additionally, TKM’s dedication to nurturing future automotive professionals is evident in its Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), a collaboration with industrial training institutes across India. Through T-TEP, TKM has established 60 centres, benefiting over 13,000 students nationwide. This program provides a robust technical curriculum, combined with practical skills development at Toyota dealerships, enabling students to gain firsthand experience with advanced automotive technologies and industry-standard practices.

In an effort to facilitate cross-cultural skill development, TKM also participates in the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which allows selected employees to gain international experience through on-the-job training in Japan for periods ranging from six months to five years. This exchange not only strengthens technical competencies but also fosters deeper cooperation between India and Japan, as knowledge and expertise flow seamlessly between the two nations.

Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we observe National Education Day 2024, at TKM, our commitment extends beyond just business; we are dedicated to nurturing lifelong learning and fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and opportunity for all. By prioritizing quality education and comprehensive skill development, we aim to transform youth into empowered, productive members of society. Our initiatives not only support individual growth but also contribute significantly to building stronger communities. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, we are strengthening our commitment by offering practical training opportunities that effectively bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Through these focused efforts, we aspire to play an integral role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed and progressive nation where every citizen thrives.”

Building on these initiatives, TKM has forged a partnership with the Government Tool Room & Training Centre (GTTC) as an Industrial Training Provider (ITP). Since the signing of an MoU in 2021, TKM has supported the establishment of 16 GTTC institutes across Karnataka, with plans to expand to 36 institutes by 2026. These centres offer specialized training programs in automobile welding and assembly, equipping students with essential skills in high demand within the industry. TKM’s partnership with 49 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Karnataka has also had a far-reaching impact, having trained nearly 3,000 students to date.  With over 1,10,000 youth trained, TKM has fostered life-changing opportunities, promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion, and made a meaningful impact on Karnataka, India, and society at large.

These diverse initiatives are united by TKM’s philosophy of holistic development. Through structured programs that emphasize technical knowledge, skill-building, and personal growth, TKM strives to instil a strong sense of discipline, community responsibility, and resilience in its students. The inclusion of activities like shramadaan and community service promotes a positive attitude and work ethic, ensuring that graduates emerge not only as skilled professionals, but also as conscientious citizens committed to giving back to society.