Henkel Adhesives Technologies India (Henkel India) and Kohinoor Technical Institute (KTI) have opened their latest centre in Kurla, Mumbai, which aims to train new students and workshop technicians  in the latest vehicle repair technologies. The two firms have joined hands to offer training that will equip students to learn reliable and high quality vehicle repair and maintenance (VRM) services.

Henkel India estimates that the country will require 3.5 million mechanics by the year 2020, out of which 1.5 million would lack formal training on vehicle repair process. The centre is set up to address these challenges of skill development in India. Henkel says it has developed a specially designed curriculum for students of the automotive course at KTI. As part of the automotive course at KTI, students learn about correct maintenance and repair process for vehicles.

Speaking during the inauguration of the centre, Manish Singhal, business director of Henkel’s General industry adhesive business in India, said, “Henkel is a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coating solutions. We continuously develop adhesive and sealant solutions together with leading automotive manufacturers for more reliable, lighter and safer vehicles. Our mission in the automotive aftermarket division is to bring the same high-performance solution to our customers. This facility, that we have developed along with KTI is designed to make sure that future mechanics receive the same hands-on training on quality products that will help them start performing from day one.”

Makarand Vagaskar, COO, KTI, said: “At KTI, it is our earnest effort to impart the best-in-class industry training to our students; thereby, equipping them for their professional careers. Our exclusive partnership with Henkel, by which we have set up VRM training centres at KTI Pune last year and Panvel earlier this year, and now at Kurla equips our students with specialised hands-on training. We have a plan to also open another centre at Nashik.”

According to the partners, the first batch will train around 70 students in engine repair, body care and maintenance. Additionally, the course will also allow company employees and individual mechanics to undertake the course as per their requirement at no cost.

To ensure the trained personnel are job-ready, the partners will also conduct a test; upon successful completion, the trainees will be certified.  Henkel India is targeting to train at least 500 individuals from each of its centres.