Bangalore – In a remarkable achievement for India and a significant boost for the “Skill India Mission,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has celebrated the outstanding performance of its employees at the WorldSkills Competition 2024 in Lyon, France. Often referred to as the “Olympics of Skills,” this prestigious global event gathered young professionals from around the world, showcasing their talents across more than 60 categories, including engineering and creative arts.
The TKM team, comprising employees Harish Gowda, Mohit Umashankara, Nelson Vanidhara, Prem Kumar, Bhanuprasad S M, and Darshan Gowda C S, earned their spots on this global stage after excelling in the India Skills 2024 competition. Their dual success reflects TKM’s unwavering commitment to nurturing top-tier technical talent and enhancing India’s presence in global vocational skills development.
Each participant brought unique strengths to the competition, contributing to the team’s stellar performance. Prem Vasanth Kumar secured a Medallion of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing, while Bhanuprasad SM and Darshan Gowda CS exhibited exceptional versatility, also earning Medallions of Excellence in Mechatronics. This accolade is reserved for competitors scoring 700 points or more. Additionally, the Mechatronics team received the second-place Sustainable Practice Award for their exemplary completion of tasks measured against industry sustainability standards.
G. Shankara, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. “Earning a Medallion of Excellence on a global platform showcases their exceptional skills and dedication. It sets a powerful example for our employees to pursue excellence in their fields. We are thankful to the trainers, faculty, and all stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in this achievement. This journey exemplifies the potential that arises when talent meets opportunity, reinforcing our commitment to transforming rural youth into globally competitive technicians.”
Shankara emphasized that this success aligns with national initiatives such as ‘Skill India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ as TKM continues its mission to empower a skilled workforce. “Our dedication to creating opportunities and making a positive impact in our communities is fundamental to our operations, and we look forward to advancing toward shared prosperity and development,” he added.
The contestants honed their skills at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), established in 2007 to provide advanced technical education and foster overall development among rural youth. With plans for increased intake, TKM remains focused on empowering economically disadvantaged youth and developing world-class technicians. The ‘Toyota Kaushalya’ initiative, aimed at promoting female student admissions, has gained popularity by offering skills relevant to the manufacturing sector, integrating theoretical learning with on-the-job training to enhance employability.
Furthermore, many employees trained at TTTI and TKM are given opportunities for hands-on experience in Japan, reinforcing the global aspect of Toyota’s skill development model. TKM has also been instrumental in developing 65 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Government Tool Room Training Centers across Karnataka.
Established in 1950, the WorldSkills Competition serves as the global epicenter for excellence in skills and international cooperation. The 2024 event witnessed participation from over 1,400 competitors across 62 countries, competing in 61 skill sets. India participated in 52 skills, garnering four bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence. The team consisted of 60 talented individuals selected through a rigorous nationwide screening process facilitated by the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).
