Stellantis India Partners with ASSIST Asia to Launch Skills Training Initiative for 2,500 Students

Stellantis India launched Project INSPIRE, a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at training 2,500 students from industrial training institutes and vocational schools in emerging automotive technologies. The program, developed in partnership with ASSIST Asia, began its first phase of training on May 26 at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research in Chennai.

The initiative focuses on electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics, and robotics training while certifying 200 master trainers to ensure program sustainability. Project INSPIRE targets 75 percent job placement or internship rates for participants and aims for 30 percent female participation. The program will operate in Chennai initially before expanding to Pune.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, said the project aligns with national priorities including Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0 initiatives. The program includes modules on green skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, health and safety protocols, and job readiness preparation.

ASSIST Asia Country Head Karunakaran K described the partnership as addressing critical needs for industry-relevant training in India's automotive sector transformation. The organization specializes in social improvement and sustainable transformation initiatives across Asia.

Chennai and Pune were selected as implementation sites due to their established automotive manufacturing presence and existing technical education infrastructure. Both cities host significant automotive industry operations and educational institutions that can support curriculum alignment with industry requirements.

The launch event at NITTTR Chennai brought together representatives from academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations. The project represents part of broader efforts to strengthen India's technical education capacity and workforce development in advanced manufacturing sectors.

Stellantis has previously conducted educational initiatives in Tamil Nadu, including school infrastructure upgrades near its Thiruvallur manufacturing plant that benefited over 1,500 students. The company has collaborated with institutions including NIT Tiruchirappalli and participated in the Naan Mudhalvan program, impacting more than 10,000 students through faculty development initiatives.

The automotive industry faces increasing demand for workers skilled in electric vehicle technology and automation systems as manufacturers transition toward sustainable mobility solutions. India's technical education sector has been expanding programs to address skills gaps in emerging technologies across manufacturing industries.

Project INSPIRE operates as a one-year implementation program designed to enhance connections between technical education institutions and industry employment opportunities. The initiative targets an 85 percent course completion rate and aims to increase entry-level salaries for participants by 20 percent while strengthening capacities at 10 technical institutions.

Stellantis operates globally as a multinational automotive manufacturer with brands including Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Fiat, and Chrysler. The company's Indian operations include manufacturing facilities and serves both domestic and export markets in the commercial and passenger vehicle segments.