Kia India has launched a new training programme in Mumbai to prepare young people for jobs in the automotive industry, which is rapidly adopting new vehicle technologies and digital systems. The company has partnered with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) to open a skill development centre at the Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kurla, aiming to boost youth employment and upgrade vocational skills.
The initiative will provide free training to 360 candidates across Mumbai, Faridabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, funded under Kia Indiaโs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) umbrella, combining classroom lessons, practical work, and hands-on workplace experience to give participants a clear understanding of daily workshop and showroom operations.
Key Takeaways
- Kia India has launched a new training programme to prepare young people for jobs in the automotive industry.
- The programme will provide free training to 360 candidates across four cities, including Mumbai, Faridabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
- The training will cover technical and sales skills, and will be delivered through a combination of classroom lessons, practical work, and hands-on workplace experience.
Who is Eligible for the Training?
The new centre in Mumbai will train 150 candidates for three different automotive roles, including Four-Wheeler Service Technician, Automotive Service Advisor, and Automotive Sales Executive, with a curriculum covering technical work alongside customer service and sales.
What Courses are Offered?
The three specialized training courses are:
- Four-Wheeler Service Technician: Focuses on vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, preparing students for the evolving demands of the automotive sector.
- Automotive Service Advisor: Teaches students how to guide customers and explain service requirements, addressing skill gaps in customer-facing roles.
- Automotive Sales Executive: Covers vehicle sales strategies and customer interaction, equipping students with the skills to manage customer expectations smoothly.
What are the Benefits of the Training?
Participants do not have to pay any fees for the training, which is designed to give them a clear understanding of daily workshop and showroom operations before they officially enter the workforce, thereby boosting employment opportunities and meeting dealership needs.
By the numbers
- 360 candidates to be trained across four cities, including Mumbai, Faridabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
- 150 candidates to be trained in Mumbai, with different batch sizes planned for each centre.
- 4 cities covered under the programme, with the centres in Mumbai and Faridabad operating exclusively for Kia India.
Why is the Training Needed?
The automotive industry is rapidly adopting new vehicle technologies and digital systems, and dealerships and service centres increasingly need employees who can explain complex technical features to customers and manage their expectations smoothly, making this training initiative crucial for the industryโs growth.
What do the Stakeholders Say?
Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Kia India, said that skill development supports inclusive growth and helps youth access industry-relevant training without financial stress, aiming to prepare candidates for the evolving demands of the automotive sector.
Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson of ASDC, noted that rapid industry growth and technological shifts have spiked the demand for trained professionals in both technical and customer-facing roles, and this initiative directly addresses skill gaps and prepares candidates for practical job duties.
Amar Sheth, Vice-President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), emphasized that automotive retail requires personnel who understand both vehicle operations and customer service, and practical training in servicing, sales, and advisory roles will significantly boost employment opportunities while meeting dealership needs.
Read also: Hyundai Bayon India Launch Explained
Read also: AEB India: Mandatory Automatic Emergency Braking
Whatโs Next for the Training Programme?
The programme is currently a pilot project, with plans for potential expansion to more locations in the future, aiming to build a highly skilled workforce for the Indian automotive market and support the industryโs growth and development.
How Will the Training Programme Impact the Automotive Industry?
The training programme is expected to have a positive impact on the automotive industry, as it will provide a steady supply of skilled workers who can meet the evolving demands of the sector. This, in turn, will help to drive growth and development in the industry, and support the introduction of new vehicle technologies and digital systems.
What are the Implications for Readers in India?
For readers in India, the training programme offers a range of benefits, including the opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and to access employment opportunities in the automotive sector. The programme also highlights the importance of skill development and training in supporting the growth and development of the industry, and the need for a highly skilled workforce to meet the evolving demands of the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the training programme?
The purpose of the training programme is to prepare young people for jobs in the automotive industry, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the sector.
Who is eligible to participate in the training programme?
The training programme is open to young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry, and who meet the eligibility criteria set by Kia India and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC).
What kind of training will be provided?
The training will cover technical and sales skills, and will be delivered through a combination of classroom lessons, practical work, and hands-on workplace experience.
