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 enhance and promote vocational education among school students in Grades 9 to 12. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by equipping students with practical automotive skills, fostering holistic learning, and preparing them for future employment opportunities.
The initiative will be rolled out across eight government schools in seven districts of Karnataka — Kudur and Kanakapura (Bengaluru South), Peenya (Bengaluru Urban), Bagepalli (Chikkaballapur), Byadagi (Haveri), Harapanahalli (Vijayanagara), Turvihal (Raichur), and Haliyal (Uttara Kannada) — benefitting more than 800 students in its first phase.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Ms. K. Vidya Kumari, 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 establish Automobile Skill Laboratories in partner schools to offer hands-on training in automobile technology. The programme will also include a Train-the-Trainer component to build faculty capability, enabling teachers to deliver high-quality, industry-aligned education. Students will gain exposure to Toyota’s manufacturing systems, safety culture, and sustainability practices — fostering values such as discipline, ethics, hygiene, civic sense, and environmental responsibility.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are privileged to partner with the Government of Karnataka to strengthen vocational education in the automobile sector. This initiative will empower students with essential technical and life skills, preparing them to be responsible, future-ready citizens. It aligns perfectly with our philosophy of ‘Grow India and Grow with India’ and our mission of ‘Producing Happiness for All.’”
Since 2001, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been actively contributing to community development in areas such as education, skill development, environment, health and hygiene, and road safety. This latest initiative reinforces its “Child to Community” approach — nurturing young minds while supporting national priorities like the Skill India Mission and Viksit Bharat 2047.
