Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to jointly build a robust, scalable skilling ecosystem by upgrading Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. This collaboration reflects Toyota’s commitment to inclusive development by linking industrial growth with skill-focused empowerment. The initiative aligns with TKM’s approach of strengthening local manufacturing, fostering employment, and supporting the transition to greener mobility. It also reinforces the company’s broader goal of preparing a skilled workforce for the evolving automotive sector.
The initiative will be implemented in three stages, beginning with Phase 1 (2025–26), which will focus on upgrading 16 ITIs across the Marathwada and Nagpur regions, followed by Phase 2 (2026–28), which will extend the programme to institutes in the Amravati and Nashik regions, and concluding with Phase 3 (2029–30), which will bring ITIs in the Mumbai and Pune divisions under the initiative’s scope.By 2030, the programme aims to uplift 45 ITIs across 36 districts, improving employability for thousands of young people in Maharashtra.
This agreement draws from TKM’s successful efforts in Karnataka, where it has collaborated with more than 100 institutes and trained over 20,000 students. Using this foundation, the Maharashtra roadmap will prioritise faculty development through Train-the-Trainer modules, knowledge enhancement sessions, and workshops conducted at Toyota’s Bidadi plant.
The initiative will also equip the institutes with industry-relevant learning resources, including Fundamental Skill Training kits, dexterity tools, visual learning aids, and standardised content to support effective skill delivery.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the programme will focus on holistic development through routines that promote discipline, ethics, and well-being. Toyota’s well-established 5S practices and safety standards will be introduced across participating institutes. Beyond technical exposure, the effort aims to instil values such as humility, gratitude, and a service-oriented mindset, supported by regular audits, continuous reviews, and close involvement from all stakeholders.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, remarked, “By integrating Toyota’s global expertise into ITIs, we are enabling Maharashtra’s youth to gain industry-ready skills that strengthen their technical capabilities, build workplace discipline, and expand their career opportunities. This partnership will play a vital role in shaping both individual futures and the state’s economic progress.”
Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, we believe that empowering rural youth with the right skills is fundamental to community upliftment. When young people gain industry exposure and confidence, the entire region progresses with them. Guided by our ‘Grow India, Grow with India’ philosophy, this collaboration supports India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 by nurturing skilled talent while strengthening advanced manufacturing capabilities.” This partnership with the Maharashtra Government reinforces the national Skill India Mission by bringing global manufacturing knowledge to Indian ITIs and preparing youth with capabilities suited for the industries of the future.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, known for delivering reliable vehicles built with a strong focus on quality, safety, and long-term durability. Formed as a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan and the Kirloskar Group, the company has played a major role in shaping India’s automotive landscape through iconic products such as the Innova, Fortuner, and Camry Hybrid. TKM continues to expand its presence in the country with advanced manufacturing facilities, investments in sustainable mobility, and initiatives that promote localisation, skill development, and energy-efficient technologies. With a growing portfolio of hybrid and eco-friendly vehicles, Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains committed to supporting India’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient transportation.
