With more than half of its total economic output coming from the service sector alone, maintaining and constantly expanding the size of its skilled labour force is imperative for India. Keeping this in mind, Maruti Suzuki has partnered with a number of state governments to adopt several Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). With this initiative, the company aims to make a large section of the youth employable by the automobile industry.
Maruti Suzuki's Skill Development programme consists of three key elements:
Upgradation of Government ITIs:
In partnership with state governments, the Company is adopting ITIs and through its various interventions upgrading physical infrastructure and workshops, training faculty, and providing exposure to students on Japanese shop floor practices
Skill Enhancement in Automobile Trade:
To help workers adapt to the changing demands of the industry, the Company has set up Automobile Skill Enhancement Centres (ASEC) at 60 ITIs. Each of these centres is equipped with a model workshop on which practical training is imparted by full time trainers provided by the Company.
Japan India Institute for Manufacturing:
In 2016-17, the Governments of Japan and India signed an agreement to create a pool of skilled manpower for manufacturing in India. To translate the vision of this partnership, the Company embarked on setting up the first Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) at AS Patel (Pvt.) ITI, in Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat.
Upgradation of Government ITIs consists of the following:
Faculty Development:
Maruti Suzuki works in close association with the faculty at the ITIs to improve teaching skills and methodologies. Working on varied aspects of faculty skill development, such as behaviour, work culture, and teaching techniques, the company assists the teachers in preparing students for the growing demands of the automobile industry.
Student Development:
Under this arm of the skill development initiative, students are tutored by Maruti Suzuki trainers in areas related to car service, repair, and maintenance. This is independent of their regular curriculum at the ITIs. To further the company’s holistic approach, students are also trained in various soft skills such as discipline, personal grooming, and interpersonal communication skills.
Industry Connect:
Maruti Suzuki also arranges for industrial outreach programmes where experts from the automobile industry are brought in as guest speakers to the ITIs. These interactions with the experts not only help the students get industry-specific training, but they also enable them to upgrade their skills. Apart from this, the company often invites students and faculty for factory visits so they can familiarise themselves further with the demands of an industrial environment.
The Skill Development initiative is working closely with 141 ITIs across 27 Indian states as of 31st March 2017.
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