Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (Department of School Education and Literacy), Government of Karnataka, to promote and strengthen vocational education for students of Grades 9 to 12.
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing hands-on learning in automobile technology and nurturing students into responsible, future-ready citizens. The initiative seeks to address the growing demand for skilled manpower while fostering holistic development among school students.
Under this partnership, the program will be rolled out in eight government schools across seven districts of Karnataka, benefiting over 800 students. The selected schools include Kudur and Kanakapura (Bengaluru South), Peenya (Bengaluru Urban), Bagepalli (Chikkaballapur), Byadagi (Haveri), Harapanahalli (Vijayanagara), Turvihal (Raichur), and Haliyal (Uttara Kannada).
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Ms. K. Vidya Kumari, IAS, State Project Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka; Mr. M.R. Maruti, KAS, Director (Quality), SSK; and Mr. A. Ramesh Rao, Vice President, External Affairs-Karnataka & Corporate Social Responsibility, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
As part of the collaboration, TKM will conduct a comprehensive Train-the-Trainer program to build faculty capacity and familiarize teachers with Toyota’s world-class manufacturing and learning practices. The company will also set up automobile skill laboratories in partner schools to deliver industry-relevant practical knowledge. Students will gain exposure to industrial environments and Toyota’s best practices, instilling values of discipline, safety, and respect for people.
Speaking on the initiative, G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, We are privileged to collaborate with the Government of Karnataka to strengthen and enhance vocational education in the automobile sector. This initiative will enable students to gain hands-on industry exposure and develop essential skills that prepare them for the future. Beyond technical learning, it focuses on nurturing discipline, ethics, values, civic sense, and sustainable habits, helping them grow into responsible and good corporate citizens.
Since its inception in 2001, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been committed to community development in areas including education, environment, road safety, skill development, public health and hygiene, and disaster management. Guided by its “Child to Community” approach, the company’s CSR efforts contribute to national missions such as Skill India and Viksit Bharat 2047, reaffirming TKM’s philosophy of “Grow India and Grow with India” and its mission of “Producing Happiness for All.”
