Toyota and ASDC see success in empowering youth in automotive skills

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) are seeing their effort at training underprivileged youth in automotive skills bear fruit.

TKM yesterday held a valedictory function to mark the culmination of ‘Toyota Tantrajna’, a skill development project initiated in association with ASDC. The program aims to increase employment opportunities in the automotive sector for underprivileged youth, in the 18-25 age group, from both rural and urban areas.

The event held at the Toyota plant in Bidadi, Karnataka saw the presence of senior TKM representatives including Yoshihiro Horinouchi, deputy MD; Kan Asaine, senior VP; Raju B Ketkale, senior VP; and Sailesh Shetty, VP, TKM.

Launched in May 2016, Toyota Tantrajna comprises 600 hours of classroom training by globally certified skill trainers, with a holistic approach balancing focus on body, mind and attitude. A comprehensive year and a month plus [Program duration – 13.5 months] training module consists of an induction and fundamental skill training, on-the-Job development and classroom training and trade knowledge training (including English speaking skills, computer soft skills and interview etiquette). After completion of course evaluation and certification by ASDC, TKM synergises to connect the trainees with prospective employers through a ‘Job Fair. Toyota says it provides an attractive stipend, free commutation and canteen facility for the trainees during the training period.

Targeting skilling 400 youth by 2020-21
The first batch of Toyota Tantrajna has successfully trained more than 30 trainees. TKM says it is looking to impart this skill module to 400 youths by 2020-21. Congratulating the trainees, Sailesh Shetty, VP, TKM, said: “The Indian automotive industry is growing at an unprecedented pace. This will augur numerous opportunities for youth in our country. By 2020, India will have a huge benefit in demography with over 65 percent of the population in the working age group. We at Toyota have been working tirelessly towards harnessing this talent pool, by creating employable skilled talent for the emerging auto industry."

"Toyota Tantrajna is one such initiative by us to create a sustainable business environment through best-in-class technical training and hands-on experience. I would like to congratulate all the participants who have successfully completed the program, and wish them to make a mark, as a role model for the industry with quality performance and a positive attitude. We, at TKM, take this opportunity to thank ASDC for all the support extended towards this landmark skill program of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. It is indeed a delight to see these youths holding an elementary education, being developed to be industry-ready with high skill sets through this training program, contributing to a progressive growth of our country,” added Shetty.

Skilling initiatives from Toyota
Toyota Kirloskar Motor continually undertakes training initiatives in the field of skill development. Some of the key initiatives are

- Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) has a three-year rigorous full-time training course in automobile assembly, painting, welding and mechatronics. TTTI has also been selected as a part of the Japan-India partnership for ‘Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme’.Gurukul, a well-equipped learning centre at TKM, imparts diverse training to employees at all levels which helps them to improve their abilities and thoroughly fulfill their roles. Everyone who works in Toyota experiences 70 percent of their development through the job itself.

- Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) provides technical know-how training to ITI students across India along with providing hands-on, real-time experience within Toyota dealerships.

- Under Toyota Apprentice Scheme (TAS), TKM has trained over 12,000 apprentice members (ITI, diploma and engineer) since 2002, which makes it one of the largest sources of providing such manpower to the industry.

- The National Sales Skills Contest, launched in 2014, provides Toyota’s dealer sales and service personnel to showcase their skill levels with a view to identify gaps and improvise. Held at three levels – across dealership, regional and national levels – the contestants are evaluated on various parameters such as knowledge, process demonstration, soft skills and role plays. Continuous training skills are also imparted to hone dealer personnel skill sets to meet growing customer expectations.

Also read: Toyota Technical Training Institute celebrates 10 years of skilling in India