Automotive components major Schaeffler India has completed the first year of operations of its Technical Training Centre in Navi Mumbai.

Established in July 2018 as part of its Automotive Aftermarket division, the facility at its Navi Mumbai office premises is an initiative undertaken to provide hands-on training to mechanics to ensure best-in-class services to end customers. Through this centre, Schaeffler’s automotive aftermarket division has been showcasing its expertise as a system specialist and has implemented training competencies for transmission, engine and chassis components.

The state-of-the-art training centre ensures that mechanics are trained with the best installation practices, latest technology and specialised technical tools to develop their skills. The programme offers complete and holistic solutions for repairs and replacements, including hands-on experience on working models and machinery.

According to Debasish Satpathy, vice-president (Automotive Aftermarket), Schaeffler India, “As vehicle technologies become more complex, we continue to see the skill gap widen within the larger, independent garage workers when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Consumers want faster and hassle-free resolution and that can only happen with skill upgradation. To address this aspect, we have introduced the Technical Training Centre for garages in our Navi Mumbai office. The centre is one of a kind and has been developed with an aim to expand our technical expertise to the personnel working at garages.”

"Our attempt is to be able to impart the correct technical knowledge to the garages so that repairs are made appropriately. As a next step, we are working on Mobile Technical Training Centre so that we reach customer at their localities," he adds.

With the growing demand and increasingly complex content, Schaeffler Aftermarket specialists have so far imparted 2,000 man-hours of training to mechanics. Training modules are made in such a way that it helps them know the intricacies of the products used for repair, as well as the correct and quick fitment practices. Working models impart training on timing belt and chain drive system, front end auxiliary drive (FEAD) system, dual clutch transmission (DCT), self-adjusting clutch (SAC), dual mass flywheel (DMF) and many more.

The program also encompasses all essentials to impart class room training to internal sales team about the technical aspects of the products, from the name of the parts to the assembly techniques.