Tata Motors and Navodaya Vidyalayas jointly train 4000 students annually in dedicated Automobile Labs at (JNVs). This unique industry-academic initiative aims to equip students with practical automotive skills, aligning with the vocational courses envisioned in the ‘National Education Policy 2020’.
Tata Motors, 25 fully equipped ‘Automotive Skill Labs’ have been set up across select JNVs in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These labs provide approximately 4,000 students annually with essential automotive skills, with 30% of the students enrolled being girls. This initiative not only provides subject knowledge and hands-on skills but also offers valuable industry exposure—all within the school premises.
Comprehensive Learning and Industry Exposure
The ‘Automotive Skill Labs‘ focus on secondary and senior secondary students (studying in 9th to 12th standard), providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in Tata Motors Plant. This immersive learning experience is highlighted by projects like the E-Rickshaw constructed by students at the Skill Lab in Pune.
Training for Instructors
Instructors teaching at these labs receive the necessary training at Tata Motors’ plant locations, ensuring they are well-equipped to impart practical automotive skills to the students. This initiative ensures that both students and teachers are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices.
Pathways for Future Education and Employment
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive joint certificates from Tata Motors and NVS. Post-schooling, students can opt for a Diploma in Manufacturing Technology, which includes a full stipend and on-the-job training at Tata Motors’ manufacturing facilities. Alternatively, students interested in continuing with Tata Motors can pursue a BTech in engineering—a 3.5-year executive education program in collaboration with select engineering institutes—leading to permanent employment after five years.
Commitment to Empowering Youth and Bridging the Skills Gap
Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasized the program’s impact: “Our Automotive Skill Labs empower youngsters from underserved communities with employable skills relevant to the evolving automotive sector in India. The initiative paves the way for students in grades 9 through 12 to pursue further education and secure job opportunities. Supporting the ‘Skill India Mission,’ this program fosters innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills in students. The response from girl students has strengthened our commitment to empower future leaders who will contribute to India’s prominence on the global stage as envisioned by Viksit Bharat @2047.”
National Recognition and Achievements
In 2023, more than 1,600 students from the program took part in the National Automobile Olympiad organized by the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), with 17 students advancing to the second stage of the competition. This national recognition underscores the effectiveness of the ‘Automotive Skill Labs’ in preparing students for competitive platforms and real-world challenges.
Conclusion
Tata Motors‘ collaboration with Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti in establishing ‘Automotive Skill Labs’ is a significant step towards creating a skilled workforce for the automotive industry. This initiative not only equips students with essential skills and knowledge but also provides them with pathways for higher education and employment. By empowering the youth from underserved communities, Tata Motors is contributing to the ‘Skill India Mission’ and fostering future leaders who will drive India’s automotive sector towards global prominence.