Maxion Wheels, a global manufacturer of wheels for passenger cars, light trucks, buses, commercial vehicles and trailers, today celebrated the graduation of the first batch of students from its Formare education and skills development program in India while welcoming a second cohort during a ceremony held at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
Introduced in India in 2024 through a partnership with the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and SPPU, Formare combines classroom learning with practical industry training to prepare students from underserved communities for careers in manufacturing. The graduation of the first class represents a significant milestone in the program’s expansion into Asia and reinforces Maxion Wheels’ commitment to creating opportunities for young talent through industry-academia collaboration.
The inaugural batch began with 26 students, of whom 23 successfully completed the two-year program and earned a diploma in Manufacturing Technology. Students opting to pursue an additional year of study at SPPU will be eligible to receive a full university graduation certificate, strengthening their academic credentials and career prospects.
Reflecting the program’s strong employment outcomes, 87 percent of the graduating students will begin their professional careers with Maxion Wheels at its Pune operations, highlighting the company’s focus on developing a skilled workforce while supporting local communities.
“The graduation of our first Formare class in India is an important achievement for both the students and Maxion Wheels,” said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President, Asia Business Unit, Maxion Wheels. “By investing in education and technical skills, we are helping young people build meaningful careers while creating a strong talent pipeline for the manufacturing sector. We are delighted to welcome many of these graduates into our workforce and look forward to their continued growth.”
The event also marked the induction of the second Formare cohort, comprising 27 students, including six women, reflecting the program’s continued emphasis on expanding access to technical education and encouraging greater participation of women in manufacturing. The ceremony was attended by Mark Sinar, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Safety & Sustainability, Maxion Wheels, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director, Kalyani Maxion Wheels, representatives from Savitribai Phule Pune University, and the families of graduating and newly enrolled students.
Sharing their experiences, graduate Aman Mulla said the program provided the confidence, technical skills and opportunity to build a brighter future while beginning a professional career with Maxion Wheels. Fellow graduate Abha Kamble noted that the blend of academic learning and hands-on industrial training prepared students to succeed in real-world manufacturing environments.
With its first successful graduating class and the launch of a new cohort, Formare continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between education and employment. Originally established by the Iochpe Foundation in Brazil more than three decades ago, the initiative has supported thousands of young people worldwide and will continue its international expansion with a planned launch in Türkiye later this year.
The Iochpe Foundation, headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, is dedicated to promoting social transformation through education and professional training. The Formare program, now in its 35th year, is a leading initiative in Brazil, providing professional training to young people from low-income families. Partnering with medium and large companies, Formare offers initial training to students in public high schools. The program, supported by volunteer educators, has trained over 26,000 students, with 89% securing formal jobs after graduation. The courses are certified by prestigious institutions including the Federal University of Technology – Paraná in Brazil, and now, Savitribai Phule Pune University in India.
