Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a move that proves learning isn’t limited to textbooks—and sometimes comes with a torque wrench—Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has partnered with the Government ITI Deogiri in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, to upgrade its facilities and strengthen the state’s technical skilling ecosystem.
The initiative marks a key milestone in Toyota’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, aimed at modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and equipping young talent with industry-ready skills. Beyond Deogiri, Toyota has already supported the upgradation of 16 Government ITIs across the Marathwada and Nagpur divisions, giving rural youth access to world-class training infrastructure and practical automotive knowledge.
If India’s future mechanics and technicians ever wondered where their careers could start, the answer might just be in a Toyota-inspired classroom.
Building Skills, One Workshop at a Time
The program lays out an ambitious roadmap to help develop 45 ITIs across all 36 districts of Maharashtra by 2030, forming a structured skilling ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry demands.
The initiative focuses on three major pillars:
Faculty Development:
Through Train-the-Trainer (T3) programs, faculty members receive knowledge enhancement sessions and skill-building workshops conducted at Toyota’s Bidadi facility, ensuring educators stay aligned with modern automotive technologies.
Modern Labs and Workshops:
Institutes receive industry-relevant tools including Fundamental Skill Training (FST) kits, dexterity modules, visual learning boards, and other standardized teaching materials to replicate real-world automotive workshop environments.
Culture Transformation:
Toyota’s globally recognized 5S workplace principles, safety protocols, environmental awareness and discipline practices are introduced to students. Alongside technical knowledge, the program emphasizes values such as humility, gratitude, teamwork and service to society—essential traits for tomorrow’s professionals.
After all, building a good technician is important—but building a responsible citizen is even better.
A Three-Phase Expansion Plan
To ensure effective implementation, the initiative is being rolled out in phases:
- Phase 1 (2025–26): 17 ITIs across Marathwada and Nagpur divisions – Completed
- Phase 2 (2026–28): Expansion into Amravati and Nashik divisions
- Phase 3 (2029–30): Coverage of Mumbai and Pune divisions
The upgraded Government ITI Deogiri now serves as a demonstration model, showcasing how a structured skilling framework can be scaled across Maharashtra.
From the current academic year, the institute will offer both manufacturing and service skill sets, expanding employment opportunities for students in the evolving automotive and industrial sectors.
Government and Industry Join Hands
Speaking at the event, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in strengthening youth employability.
“Our youth are the foundation of Maharashtra’s future and by nurturing their skills and aspirations, we are building a self-reliant society. This collaboration with TKM reflects our commitment to providing young people with industry-relevant training that enhances their confidence, employability and contribution to nation-building.”
Echoing the sentiment, Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, highlighted Toyota’s long-term vision for inclusive skill development.
“At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that youth in rural India deserve the same opportunities as those in urban centers. Guided by our philosophy of ‘Grow India, Grow with India’ and our mission of ‘Producing Happiness for All’, we are committed to empowering communities through industry-relevant skills as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Driving India’s Skill India Mission Forward
The initiative complements the Government of India’s Skill India Mission, which focuses on strengthening ITIs nationwide and preparing young professionals for the future of manufacturing and mobility.
By bringing global manufacturing expertise and structured training frameworks into the ITI ecosystem, Toyota aims to address regional skill gaps while supporting India’s industrial growth.
And who knows—some of the students trained under this program might one day design, build or service the next generation of vehicles. For now, however, they’re getting a head start with something equally powerful: the right skills under the hood.
