Toyota Kirloskar Motor Partners with Maharashtra to Skill 8,000 ITI Students
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to modernise 45 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. Toyotabharat
Under the deal, TKM will set up fully equipped automotive laboratories for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) technician courses, providing the latest training tools and aligning instruction with industry standards. Business Standard
The initiative is expected to benefit about 8,000 students over time. TKM will also invest in training the instructors, deploying “Train-the-Trainer” programs to ensure faculty are well-versed in modern automotive manufacturing and maintenance practices.
The project will roll out in phases:
- Phase 1 (2025–26): 16 ITIs in Marathwada and Nagpur divisions
- Phase 2 (2026–28): Expanding into Amravati and Nashik divisions
- Phase 3 (2029–30): Laboratories to be set up in Pune and Mumbai divisions
As part of its commitment, Toyota will also supply Fundamental Skill Training (FST) kits, visual learning boards, and dexterity modules to support hands-on learning. The programme emphasises “body-and-mind” development too. Trainees will be trained in Toyota’s globally adopted 5S and safety protocols, along with ethics, discipline, and humility.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, and Innovation, said the partnership “brings Toyota’s global expertise into ITIs … empowering youth with industry-relevant skills.” For Toyota, the move aligns with its broader “Grow India, Grow with India” philosophy, building manufacturing capacity while nurturing a future-ready talent pool.
Editor’s View
Toyota Kirloskar’s decision to strengthen Maharashtra’s ITIs is more than a CSR move; it’s a strategic investment in the future of India’s auto-industry talent pipeline. With EVs, ADAS, and smart mobility on the rise, the demand for well-trained LMV technicians is going to accelerate. By embedding training infrastructure now, Toyota is not just creating employability: it’s shaping workforce standards.
For tyre-makers and service networks, this could be a goldmine: more skilled technicians mean better service quality, improved safety, and more reliable maintenance, all of which improve aftermarket trust and open up opportunities for high-performance, long-life tyres. As more automakers follow suit, upskilling interventions like this could become the backbone of a quality-first, innovation-ready mobility ecosystem.
