In a move to advance the ‘Skill India’ mission, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has inaugurated the 66th Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) facility and the “Scholarship Program for Technical Education and Recognition” (STAR) initiative at the Government Polytechnic in Bareilly. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills and employability of students, especially those from rural backgrounds, through specialised training programs.
The launch event was attended by Chief Guest D C Verma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Narendra Kumar, Principal of Government Polytechnic Bareilly, Shivam Gupta, Director of Commercial Toyota, and senior management from TKM.
TKM has long been at the forefront of skill development through its flagship programs such as the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and T-TEP. These initiatives focus on providing world-class training to students from economically challenged backgrounds, significantly contributing to the ‘Skill India’ mission. One notable success from these programs is Akhilesh Narasimhamurthy, a TTTI alumnus who won a bronze medal in Mechatronics at the 2022 World Skills Contest.
The T-TEP is a comprehensive, year-long program designed for final-year ITI/Diploma students. It includes On-the-Job Training (OJT) and features:
- Specialised training for T-TEP’s lead trainers by Toyota.
- Practical skills development at Toyota dealerships.
- A curriculum tailored to impart advanced technical knowledge aligned with the needs of the Indian auto industry.
Since its inception in 2006, over 13,000 students have been trained through T-TEP, with more than 70% securing employment in various automobile companies and their dealerships across India.
STAR Scholarship Program
The STAR program, launched under T-TEP, aims to support economically challenged students in pursuing technical studies. Eligible students can receive scholarships of up to Rs 51,000 per year to cover hostel fees, educational expenses, and family support. This pilot program will benefit students across 11 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
D C Verma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said “We applaud TKM’s commitment to empowering our youth with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Initiatives like the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) align perfectly with our mission to enhance employability and drive economic growth in the region, particularly benefiting students from rural and economically challenged backgrounds. The T-TEP and STAR scholarship support will offer students with valuable insights into Toyota’s values, best practices, and advanced technologies, thereby contributing to their overall skill development. Additionally, the collaborative efforts of industry partners like Toyota will enhance the availability of a world-class workforce among students from Uttar Pradesh, helping them achieve their career aspirations and contributing to the growth of the auto sector.”
Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Governance at TKM, stated “At TKM, we recognise the transformative power of technical training in creating opportunities for young talent to acquire advanced technical skills and knowledge. Our T-TEP facility and the STAR program exemplify our commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce for the automotive industry while supporting the broader ‘Skill India’ mission, ultimately driving positive change within our communities. The STAR program, part of the T-TEP initiative, is designed to empower deserving students, particularly those from financially challenged backgrounds, by providing scholarships and equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the automotive sector. We remain dedicated to nurturing talent, enabling students to reach their full potential and contributing to the growth of both the automotive industry and our nation.”
Narendra Kumar, Principal of Government Polytechnic, Bareilly, added “This partnership is poised to significantly elevate the skill levels of our students, especially those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The comprehensive training and scholarship support provided by TKM will empower our students to achieve their career aspirations and make meaningful contributions to both the automotive sector and the nation as a whole. This exposure will not only benefit the students by enhancing their technical expertise and employability but also contribute to the broader Skill India Mission by cultivating a highly skilled workforce. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical on-the-job training will ensure that our students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry, thereby driving economic growth and innovation within our communities. Additionally, through scholarships provided, the program underscores our commitment to inclusive education and social upliftment.”
Shivam Gupta, Director of Commercial Toyota, expressed “With rapid technological advancements in the automotive industry, increasing motorisation, and rising customer expectations, the demand for highly skilled technicians has become more critical than ever. To meet this need, the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) provides students with a cutting-edge curriculum that covers automobile fundamentals, advanced technologies, Toyota’s core values, and essential soft skills. Commercial Toyota is committed to supporting these students by offering on-the-job training and facilitating their skill development. This comprehensive program not only gives students practical experience and exposure to the latest automotive technologies but also significantly boosts their employability, paving the way for a brighter future for the youth in our region.”
TKM, in collaboration with its dealer partner, has invested over Rs 1.5 million to enhance infrastructure, develop e-learning content, and provide engines, transmissions, practice kits, and faculty training through a Train-The-Trainer approach.
TKM is committed to expanding the T-TEP initiative to rural areas, promoting skill development, and providing opportunities for talented students to excel in the automotive sector. The program’s evolution continues to meet the changing demands of the industry, significantly contributing to the automotive sector and the “Skill India” mission.