Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is once again proving that its ambitions go far beyond selling cars. This time, the automaker has shifted gears toward skill development, launching two new Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) centers in Tamil Nadu under its CSR initiatives for FY 2025–26. And unlike your neighbourhood driving school, these classrooms come with a direct route to the automotive industry.
The newly inaugurated T-TEP centers at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Coimbatore and Thanapandiyan Polytechnic College in Madurai are expected to train over 900 students annually with industry-ready automotive skills.
The Coimbatore center was inaugurated in the presence of Swami Divyanamananda, Correspondent, and G Murali, Principal of Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, alongside Anaamalais Toyota Dealer Principal C S Vigneshwar and Krish Toyota Dealer Principal Vasudaa Ramakrishnan.
Meanwhile, the Madurai facility was launched with the presence of Dr. K Lingadurai, Dean of Anna University Regional Campus Madurai, Dr. P Thanavelan, Chairman, and Dr. D Saraswathi, Principal of Thanapandiyan Polytechnic College, along with Anaamalais Toyota CEO Sethurajan and senior TKM leadership.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s automotive workforce by combining classroom learning with practical dealership exposure. At Coimbatore, students will receive training in key trades such as Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV), Fitter, and Painter, with an annual intake capacity of 560 students. The Madurai center, designed to benefit students from surrounding rural regions, will train 360 students annually across six technical trades.
Toyota says the year-long program is tailored for final-year ITI and Diploma students, blending technical education with On-the-Job Training (OJT) at authorized Toyota dealerships. In simple terms, students won’t just learn how an engine works — they’ll also learn why mechanics always seem to have magical 10mm spanners hidden somewhere.
As part of the CSR initiative, TKM will provide structured Service Skills modules, Body & Mind training focused on teamwork and discipline, and access to industry-aligned curriculum designed to meet evolving automotive sector demands.
The initiative is also aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India Mission, with a strong focus on improving employability for youth from underserved and rural communities.
Appreciating the collaboration, Swami Divyanamananda and Dr. P Thanavelan jointly stated that the program would significantly enhance technical learning and provide students with valuable industry exposure essential in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Commenting on the expansion, Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said skill development remains a critical pillar of Toyota’s CSR strategy and nation-building efforts. He added that the expansion of T-TEP in Tamil Nadu reflects the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and employability while nurturing a future-ready workforce for India’s growing mobility ecosystem.
Toyota’s T-TEP initiative has already built a solid reputation across India. Since its launch in 2006, the program has trained over 14,000 students nationwide, with more than 70% of graduates finding employment with automobile manufacturers and authorized dealerships.
With India’s automotive industry rapidly evolving toward smarter mobility and advanced technologies, Toyota seems determined to ensure the next generation of technicians won’t just change oil filters — they’ll be ready to power the future of mobility itself.
