Naan Mudhalvan, an initiative aimed at transforming the skill development landscape in Tamil Nadu, has announced a strategic collaboration with Stellantis, a global leader in the automotive and mobility sectors. The partnership is focused on equipping students and youth with industry-relevant skills, particularly within the automotive industry, to better prepare them for the evolving job market.
As part of its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Stellantis is working to foster young talent from diverse backgrounds and ensure future leaders are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive global economy. Through this collaboration, the company aims to promote an inclusive environment and bridge generational gaps, driving innovation and progress in the workplace.
A key component of the collaboration is a Faculty Development Programme (FDP), which will enhance the expertise of educators in disciplines such as Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering, and Automobile Engineering. The FDP will focus on emerging trends and advanced technologies in the automotive industry, ensuring that students are taught an industry-relevant curriculum that enhances their employability.
The programme will include over 20 sessions led by more than 25 experts, including senior executives and subject matter experts from Stellantis. These sessions will cover key trends in vehicle design, engineering, powertrain technologies, and the development of autonomous and connected vehicles. Participants will also benefit from practical lab sessions and a plant tour for hands-on industry exposure. The five-day workshop aims to train over 130 lecturers from more than 50 colleges, ultimately benefitting approximately 10,000 students across the state.
Upon completion of the FDP, educators will receive a certification, allowing them to deliver updated and advanced knowledge in their classrooms. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the quality of automotive education in Tamil Nadu, equipping students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the fast-changing automotive sector.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, emphasised the importance of the collaboration, stating: “As the industry shifts towards electrification, autonomous technologies, and sustainable mobility, we are committed to equipping future leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, we aim to build a workforce that is prepared for today’s challenges and capable of driving tomorrow’s innovations.”
The Naan Mudhalvan initiative, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), plans to incorporate the knowledge gained from this FDP into industry-relevant courses in the upcoming academic semesters. This will ensure that students across Tamil Nadu receive an up-to-date education in line with the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility sectors.
Launched on 1 March 2022, Naan Mudhalvan aims to establish Tamil Nadu as a skill capital by creating job-ready individuals. The initiative leverages technology to connect students, educational institutions, industry professionals, and mentors, fostering a collaborative ecosystem to advance the state’s skill development efforts.