Toyota Kirloskar Motor launches ‘Toyota Youth Connect’ to enhance skill development in Karnataka

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the “Toyota Youth Connect” program, a three-week initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic education and industry requirements. The program, conducted across all 30 districts of Karnataka, targeted over 7,700 youth and collaborated with more than 70 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to introduce students to career opportunities in the automobile industry.

The program focused on promoting skill development, highlighting the importance of industry-specific expertise and apprenticeship opportunities in building a workforce ready for the demands of the evolving job market. TKM emphasized the value of adapting to professional workplace cultures and acquiring skills that match industry needs.

Through this initiative, Toyota aims to strengthen Karnataka’s skilling ecosystem while contributing to national programs like “Skill India” and “Make in India.” The company’s effort to bridge the divide between academia and industry helps create a platform for practical learning, reinforcing its commitment to social development and workforce empowerment.

G. Shankara, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated, “The Toyota Youth Connect program reflects our dedication to equipping India’s youth with the essential skills for a successful career in the evolving technical landscape. By nurturing young talent, particularly in rural areas, we are contributing to the broader vision of a skilled and self-reliant India.” He added that the program aims to inspire confidence, ignite a passion for learning, and provide clarity on career paths in the technical field.

The program received positive feedback from participants, many of whom expressed a better understanding of apprenticeship opportunities and employability skills. Students noted that the program gave them greater clarity about their career goals and the resources needed to achieve them.

Building on the success of this initiative, Toyota plans to continue supporting the skilling ecosystem in Karnataka. The next phase of the Toyota Youth Connect program will focus on identifying areas for improvement within ITIs, strengthening training programs, and providing sustained corporate social responsibility (CSR) support.

In addition to Toyota Youth Connect, TKM has been involved in other educational initiatives, such as the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP). These long-running programs have provided world-class training to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, playing a key role in advancing the Skill India mission. Through such efforts, TKM aims to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can support India’s growing automotive and industrial sectors.