Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Technical Education, Government of Karnataka. The MoU aims to establish Advanced Centres of Excellence (ACoE) in several colleges across the State and as a pilot aims to initiate an ACoE in Government Engineering College, Ramanagara, making it the first government engineering college to host advanced technological equipment in a Centre of Excellence facility.
The signing ceremony took place at the State Higher Education Council, Gandhinagar, Bangalore, in the gracious presence of Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Higher Education Minister, Srikar M S, IAS, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Dept, Jagadish G, IAS, Commissioner Collegiate & Technical Education Dept, Government of Karnataka, and Sudeep S. Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director & Chief Communication Officer, and Roshan R, General Manager, EA(State), CSR and BIA, TKM
The ACoE’s curriculum offers an extensive learning experience on mechanical, automobile, mechatronic, and advanced green electrified technologies (xEVs) including Strong Hybrids. The initiative aims to enhance quality of education and promote skill development for both engineering college teachers and students through practical learning with support from expert trainers using advanced equipment and facilities.
To support academic research and training as well as to enhance hands-on experience and gain knowledge about the latest in automotive technology, TKM will provide engine, transmission, powertrain cut sections for the ACoE facility. The company will actively organize and schedule training programs for teachers and students, ensuring comprehensive learning and preparing them for the dynamic automotive industry.
Commenting on Toyota’s support in developing world-class infrastructure and skill programs, Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Higher Education Minister, Government of Karnataka said, “We are delighted to be a part of the MoU signing between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Department of Technical Education, Government of Karnataka, marking a significant milestone in the realm of education and skill development in the State. As the automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift with technological advancements so is the demand for skilled talent. The traditional syllabus and methods of learning need to be constantly upgraded to synchronize with the rapidly evolving requirements of the Auto industry. With the establishment of this Advanced Centre of Excellence, we are confident that the hands-on training experience will strengthen their learning on advanced green technologies and create good career opportunities especially for our students thereby contributing to the overall development of Community, State, and the Nation.”
Sharing his thoughts, Sudeep S Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director & Chief Communication Officer, TKM said, “ This initiative underscores our commitment to enhance engineering students’ skill and knowledge, on advanced green electrified technologies which is the way forward for the rapidly changing auto industry. Toyota being a leader in electrified technologies would like to create awareness to the young engineers about the future technologies through practical exposure and make them understand the benefits of embracing Greener electrified technologies. Hence this association with the Government of Karnataka through the Advanced Centre of Excellence will bring about a transformational change in their Skill and knowledge pertaining to advanced greener electrified technologies and its contribution to Carbon Neutrality. TKM remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a world-class skill pool while contributing to the larger goals of environmental sustainability, societal development, and Skill India mission.”
TKM is spearheading skill development activities in the state and across the country and has implemented several activities. Recently the company had undertaken a major expansion of Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) with capacity going up from 600 to 1,200 students, which is a major boost to the existing skill facility in its Bidadi plant with a focus on gender diversity and to scale-up students’ skill levels on advanced technology. Furthermore, the company has collaborated with one Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in each of the 31 districts in Karnataka besides 11 Government Tool Room and Training Centre (GTTC) institutes till date and plans to cover all 33 GTTC institutes in Karnataka in a phased manner. Furthermore, the company continues to train students in 59 institutes across 26 States and 4 union territories through the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), and last year the company introduced the STAR scholarship program under T-TEP for economically challenged students to pursue their technical studies.