Ahead of World Youth Skills Day, Tata Motors has highlighted the impact of its flagship Kaushalya Programme, one of India’s largest industry-led skill development initiatives. Focused on bridging the gap between education and employment, the programme has enrolled more than 23,000 young people and helped over 5,000 graduates secure jobs, achieving a 100% placement rate, including more than 50 international placements.
As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing hub, the Kaushalya Programme continues to equip young talent with industry-relevant skills in advanced manufacturing, automation, and next-generation mobility technologies. By preparing participants for evolving workforce demands, the initiative aims to create sustainable career opportunities while addressing the automotive industry’s growing need for a highly skilled workforce.
Beyond employability, the Kaushalya programme is also expanding access to manufacturing careers for underrepresented communities. Women constitute 21% of participants, while 25% represent affirmative action categories, reinforcing Tata Motors’ commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce for the future.
Sitaram Kandi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tata Motors, said, “India’s manufacturing competitiveness and mobility ambitions will be shaped by the quality of its workforce. Through Kaushalya, we are investing in the next generation of skilled professionals by creating opportunities that combine technical education, industry exposure and real-world experience. The programme is helping young people build meaningful careers while strengthening the talent pipeline required for an increasingly advanced and technology-driven automotive industry. The strong placement outcomes achieved by our trainees demonstrate the effectiveness of industry-academia collaboration in creating skills that are relevant, employable and future-ready. We remain committed to expanding the programme’s reach and empowering more young people to participate in India’s growth story.”
Launched in 2021 and operational across manufacturing facilities in Pune, Jamshedpur, Lucknow, Pantnagar, Sanand and Dharwad, the programme offers a fully sponsored Diploma in Mechatronics under an earn-and-learn model. The curriculum, co-created with industry experts and aligned to emerging technologies shaping the future of mobility, combines classroom learning with immersive shop-floor experience at Tata Motors’ manufacturing facilities. Trainees develop capabilities across Automobile Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Electrical & Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation, IoT and Industry 4.0.
Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees are provided structured placement opportunities across Tata Motors’ extended ecosystem, including dealerships, suppliers, vendors, Tata Group companies, other automotive manufacturers and international employers. Kaushalya alumni are today contributing across diverse industries, with placements at reputed organisations such as Tata Steel Downstream Products Ltd., Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., Zydus, JSW Greentech, Subros, Spinny, Wipro, among others. The programme has also enabled global career opportunities, with 50 graduates securing positions at Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia.
Sharing her experience, Anita Kende Bethekar, Diploma in Mechatronics Trainee, currently placed with Jaguar Land Rover, Slovakia, said, “Coming from a remote tribal village in Maharashtra, a global career in the automotive industry once felt beyond reach. Tata Motors’ Kaushalya programme equipped me with the skills, exposure and confidence to pursue opportunities I had never imagined. Today, I am proud to be the first girl from my village and neighbouring region to hold a passport and build a career with Jaguar Land Rover in Slovakia. This achievement is not just mine; it is a source of pride for my family, my community and every young girl who dares to dream beyond her circumstances.”
Sharing his experience, Soham Ravindra Manmode, Diploma in Automobile Manufacturing Technology Trainee, placed with Tata Motors Customer Support, said, “Coming from a financially challenged family in a small town, building a career in the automotive industry once felt like a distant dream. Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Programme changed that by enabling me to learn, earn and gain real-world industry experience simultaneously. The skills, confidence and exposure I acquired through the programme helped me build a rewarding career with Tata Motors. Today, I take pride in supporting my family and contributing to India’s automotive growth story.”
With more than 5,000 trainees expected to become industry-ready each year, Kaushalya is helping build a sustainable talent pipeline for India’s automotive and manufacturing sectors. As the industry advances towards electrified, connected and software-defined mobility, Tata Motors remains committed to equipping young people with future-ready skills, enhancing employability and contributing to India’s next phase of industrial growth.
