Mercedes-Benz India, the country’s leading luxury carmaker, has entered a landmark partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to skill 1,000 youth and women in advanced automotive technologies. The initiative, launched under Mercedes-Benz India’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, will establish world-class Skill Development Centres in Pune and Delhi-NCR to deliver globally benchmarked automotive training.
The programme, inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Education, Government of India, marks the launch of “IGNiTE 4.0” — a transformative skilling platform aimed at empowering India’s next generation workforce.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chaudhary said, “As one million youth join our workforce every month, India must harness this demographic dividend through inclusion and opportunity. Women are emerging as true change agents across sectors, and initiatives like IGNiTE 4.0 empower them to lead India’s industrial and social transformation. This is how we make skilling aspirational — by fostering lifelong learning and building a future-ready India.”
The initiative supports India’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, while addressing the rising demand for skilled professionals in the fast-growing EV and mobility sectors. With EV sales expected to cross 9 million units annually by 2027, creating over 10 million direct and 50 million indirect jobs by 2030, this partnership will help equip India’s youth for the automotive industry’s new-age requirements.
Technology-Driven Skilling for a Smarter Mobility Future
Training under IGNiTE 4.0 will cover four key areas: Electric Vehicle Service, Automotive Quality Control, Product Testing, and Industry 4.0 applications. The curriculum, delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), will ensure high-quality, standardised learning, supported by advanced digital tools for performance tracking and continuous evaluation.
Structured Three-Phase Rollout
The project will follow a three-phase implementation plan: needs assessment and infrastructure setup, intensive skill training and job mapping, followed by placement and mentoring support. The programme also emphasises inclusivity, with gender sensitisation modules, family engagement, and continuous mentoring to encourage women’s participation in technical careers.
Driving Inclusive Growth and Industry Readiness
Mr. Emrah Oezer, Executive Director & CFO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz has always been committed to nurturing India’s automotive ecosystem and human capital. Our partnership with NSDC will empower youth from economically challenged backgrounds with skills aligned to the future of mobility. This initiative reinforces our global commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, while meeting the industry’s growing demand for skilled talent in EVs and Industry 4.0.”
If the pilot phase meets its impact benchmarks, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the programme further, adding new training verticals under its CSR portfolio.
By combining government vision, corporate expertise, and community engagement, the Mercedes-Benz–NSDC partnership is creating a new model of inclusive skill development — one that prepares India’s youth for the electric, digital, and intelligent mobility revolution ahead.
