ASDC, FADA Academy, and Prayaas Trust Form Partnership for Automotive Skills Development

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA Academy), and Prayaas Trust have entered into a tripartite agreement to address skill gaps in India's automotive sector through expanded training initiatives.

The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for scaling skill development programs from the current three centers to 20 locations across the country. The partnership aims to train 5,000 individuals over the next three years, with 30% of seats designated for women participants.

Under the agreement, each organization will contribute specific expertise to the program. ASDC will develop and update training curricula to include emerging automotive technologies such as electric vehicles and AI-enabled systems. FADA Academy will leverage its dealer network to facilitate job placements, internships, and mentorship opportunities. Prayaas Trust will handle participant recruitment, training delivery, and post-placement support while maintaining free access for beneficiaries.

Prayaas Trust, established in 1998, currently operates automotive service technician training programs that have served over 1,000 families in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, reporting a 90% job placement rate for graduates.

The expansion will be funded through corporate social responsibility contributions, industry partnerships, and individual donations. Companies are being invited to participate by supporting training centers, educational materials, and employment opportunities.

"This collaboration ensures underprivileged youth are not left behind in the industry's evolution," stated Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC.

Saharsh Damani, CEO of FADA Academy, said the partnership focuses on "shaping futures and strengthening India's automotive workforce."

Sudhir Kumar, Secretary of Prayaas Trust, described the agreement as elevating their grassroots mission "to transform lives at scale."

FADA Academy Chairperson Manish Raj Singhnia expressed support for the initiative, calling it a program that "bridges aspirations with opportunities" in the automotive sector.

The automotive industry has faced ongoing challenges in finding skilled workers as vehicle technology continues to evolve, particularly with the growth of electric vehicles and digital automotive systems.