Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has formalized a partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (Department of School Education and Literacy), Government of Karnataka, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing vocational education for high school students (Grades 9–12). This initiative focuses on equipping students with real-world skills in automotive technology while encouraging their overall development into capable and responsible citizens.
The collaboration is designed to reduce the disconnect between classroom learning and industry needs. By bringing hands-on training and exposure to modern auto industry practices into schools, the program seeks to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.
As part of the rollout, eight government schools across seven districts will participate, positively impacting over 800 students. These schools are located in Kudur and Kanakapura (Bengaluru South), Peenya (Bengaluru Urban), Bagepalli (Chikkaballapur), Byadagi (Haveri), Harapanahalli (Vijayanagara), Turvihal (Raichur), and Haliyal (Uttara Kannada).
The signing ceremony was attended by K Vidya Kumari, IAS, State Project Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, MR Maruti, KAS, Director (Quality), SSK, and A Ramesh Rao, Vice President – External Affairs (Karnataka) & Corporate Social Responsibility at TKM.
A core element of the partnership is focused on training both educators and students. Faculty will undergo intensive training through a “Train-the-Trainer” module, where they will learn from Toyota’s globally recognized manufacturing and teaching methods. Meanwhile, TKM will set up dedicated automotive skill labs in each partner school to help students learn through practical experience. Students will also get a chance to experience actual industry environments and absorb values that go beyond technical skills—such as teamwork, safety awareness, and mutual respect.
Speaking at the event, G Shankara, Executive Vice President – Finance & Administration at TKM, said, “We’re honored to join hands with the Karnataka Government to take vocational education to the next level. This program not only introduces students to industry-relevant skills but also instills essential values like discipline, hygiene, ethics, and civic responsibility. It’s an important step in preparing young minds for a brighter future and contributing to our shared vision of growing with the nation.”
Since launching operations in 2001, TKM has consistently supported community initiatives across sectors like education, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, skills development, healthcare, and disaster response. Rooted in a “Child to Community” philosophy, the company’s social outreach aligns with broader national missions including Skill India and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Founded in 1997, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) and Kirloskar Systems Ltd. (India). Headquartered in Bidadi, Karnataka, TKM is known for delivering high-quality vehicles and promoting sustainable mobility. The company operates under the guiding principles of the Toyota Way 2020 and is committed to advancing its mission of growing with India by supporting community development and skill-building initiatives.
