In yet another instance of the growing industry-academia connect in India, Chennai-based Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PSG Polytechnic College, Coimbatore.

Together, the two partners will offer a vocational diploma programme in the automobile sector. Twenty blue-collar associates (workers) of DICV will participate in the inaugural course, which is certified by the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE).

The MoU was signed by Erich Nesselhauf, MD and CEO, DICV and Dr R Rudramoorthy, Principal, PSG College of Technology and Dr B Giriraj, Principal, PSG Polytechnic College, in the presence of Dr K Visalakshi, State Coordinator-State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU), Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE).

Commenting on the MoU, Erich Nesselhauf, MD and CEO, DICV, said, “Daimler India Commercial Vehicles actively supports all its employees in their professional development, in order to groom the future leaders we need on all levels of our organisation. We are proud to introduce this government-certified programme aimed at further development of our blue-collar associates and help them to pursue education while continuing in their jobs.”

The one-year vocational diploma programme will see participants receive skill training (Level 5 of NVEQF/NSQF) as per the AICTE curriculum. While PSG Polytechnic College will provide academic knowledge, DICV will be the skill knowledge provider. Successful candidates will be awarded with a Vocational Diploma in automobile skill sector (Level 5 of NVEQF/NSQF).

Training and development at DICV

DICV has been offering vocational training to its blue collar associates since 2013. Since then, more than 75 employees have successfully completed the vocational training program. Currently 96 employees are participating in various streams of vocational training.

The company’s strong focus on training and skills development of its employees throughout all functions are reflecting its strategic people-centric approach and also contribute to its attractiveness as an employer. DICV offers all its employees a wide range of training and development opportunities to ensure continuous professional and personal growth through life-long learning. The offerings include a broad variety of subject matters such as industrial, technical as well as management, language, behavioral and self-development programs.

The integrated training centre, housed at DICV’s manufacturing plant in Oragadam near Chennai, offers comprehensive development and training opportunities for its employees. In less than four years of operation, the unit has completed over 75,000 man-days of training for blue collar associates. In 2015, DICV was recognised as the ‘Best Vocational Training Provider’ by ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India). 

Recommended: President Pranab Mukherjee calls for increased synergies between industry and academia