Stellantis India, in partnership with ASSIST Asia, has launched Project INSPIRE, a major Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at addressing the growing skills gap in India’s mobility and manufacturing sectors. The program was inaugurated at NITTTR Chennai with participation from academic, industry, and government representatives. It supports Tamil Nadu’s goal of becoming a key centre for engineering talent and sustainable industrial development. The first training phase of the project began on May 26, 2025, at NITTTR Chennai, with future expansion planned in Pune. Project INSPIRE supports national initiatives such as Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0 and is tailored to equip young Indians for employment in emerging, technology-led sectors.
According to Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, this effort is intended to prepare youth for careers in electric mobility, automation, and sustainability by offering industry-relevant skills. He emphasised the importance of bridging education and employment while aiding the automotive sector’s transition to a greener, more digital future.
The program, which stands for Integrating Sustainability, Progress, Innovation, Readiness, and Employability, will provide practical training in electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics, and robotics to 2,500 students from industrial training institutes and vocational schools. It will also certify 200 Master Trainers to ensure long-term impact. In addition to technical instruction, students will receive training in green practices, digital and financial literacy, health and safety, and job readiness.
The initiative sets measurable goals, including placing 75% of trained students in internships or employment, achieving 30% female participation, and increasing entry-level wages by 20%. It also aims for an 85% course completion rate and plans to strengthen ten technical institutions through closer integration with industry needs.
ASSIST Asia’s Country Head, Karunakaran K, stated that the program meets the critical need for hands-on, industry-aligned training in India’s automotive sector. He highlighted the importance of preparing the workforce for technologies like electric mobility, robotics, and automation, which are reshaping the industry.
Chennai and Pune were chosen for their established automotive sectors and educational infrastructure, providing an ideal setting for aligning technical training with employment opportunities. The launch event at NITTTR Chennai brought together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, marking the beginning of a program that will reinforce the technical education framework across India.
Beyond Project INSPIRE, Stellantis India has led several education-focused efforts in Tamil Nadu. These include upgrading schools near its Thiruvallur plant with STEM laboratories and enhanced infrastructure benefiting over 1,500 students, promoting innovation through partnerships with institutions such as NIT Tiruchirappalli, and supporting faculty development through the Naan Mudhalvan program, which has reached more than 10,000 students. These actions reflect Stellantis’ broader commitment to strengthening education and supporting regional development.
Stellantis NV is a global automotive group that brings together a diverse set of iconic brands. Its commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility is aimed at offering freedom of movement while delivering value to stakeholders around the world.
