New Delhi: Tata Motors, in collaboration with Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), has established 25 ‘Automotive Skill Labs’ at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in select states to provide future-ready automotive skills to over 4,000 students annually. This initiative aims to nurture talent and create a skilled workforce aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. Approximately 30% of the students enrolled in the program are girls. The students are offered practical automotive skills, industry exposure, and hands-on training to prepare them for future employment opportunities.
These ‘Automotive Skill Labs’ are set up in JNVs across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The labs are fully equipped with essential tools and provide secondary and senior secondary students (from 9th to 12th standards) with in-depth subject knowledge and practical skills.
Students gain valuable insights through visits to Tata Motors’ plants, interactions with service and dealership professionals, and lectures from industry experts. Instructors also receive necessary training at Tata Motors’ plant locations to ensure a high-quality learning experience. A notable example of hands-on training includes the construction of an E-Rickshaw by the students at the Skill Lab in Pune.
Upon completing the program, students receive joint certificates from Tata Motors and NVS. After finishing school, they have the option to pursue a Diploma in Manufacturing Technology, which includes a full stipend and on-the-job training at Tata Motors’ manufacturing facilities.
Alternatively, students interested in continuing their education with Tata Motors can enroll in a BTech in engineering, a 3.5-year executive education program in collaboration with select engineering institutes, leading to permanent employment after five years.
Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head, Tata Motors, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting youth and bridging the skills gap in the automotive industry. He stated, “Our Automotive Skill Labs empower youngsters from underserved communities with employable skills, relevant to the evolving automotive sector in India. It creates pathways for students in grades 9th – 12th to pursue higher education and secure employment opportunities.”
“Contributing to the ‘Skill India Mission,’ this programme instills innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, analytical mindset, and critical communication skills amongst the students. The response from girl students has strengthened our commitment to empower future leaders who will contribute to India’s prominence on the global stage as envisioned by Viksit Bharat @2047.”
In 2023, over 1,600 students from this program participated in the National Automobile Olympiad organized by the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC). Out of these participants, 17 succeeded in reaching the second stage of the competition.
