Tata Motors Commits to Upskilling 50% of its Workforce with a Focus on EV Technology

Tata Motors commits to upskilling 50% of its workforce in the electric vehicle era, investing in advanced training programs and academic collaborations.

Tata Motors Commits to Upskilling 50% of its Workforce with a Focus on EV Technology
Image: Tata Motors

Mumbai, India, October 5, 2023  - Tata Motors, India's leading automobile manufacturer and a pioneer in the region's electric vehicle revolution, is making significant investments in upskilling its workforce to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving automotive industry. In a press release issued today, the company detailed its multifaceted strategy to create a future-ready workforce with a keen focus on EV technology and other emerging automotive innovations.

The automotive industry is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changing market dynamics. Recognizing the pivotal role of capability-building in this context, Tata Motors has adopted an all-encompassing approach to upskilling. The company has designed specialized training modules that cater to the developmental needs of all its employees, from shop floor technicians to plant management. These modules provide a comprehensive range of technical skills, functional expertise, and managerial and leadership capabilities.

One of Tata Motors' most notable commitments is its ambitious goal to equip more than 50% of its workforce with new-age auto tech capabilities within the next five years. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, the company invested over 3,40,000 hours in specialized training and development programs for its employees.

To ensure the highest quality education and hands-on experience in emerging technologies, Tata Motors has forged collaborations with industry leaders such as ARAI, Bosch, Mathworks, SAE, Tata Technologies Limited, and others. These partnerships offer professional certification programs in Connected, Electric, Shared, and Safe (CESS), including modules on Advanced ADAS, Battery Technology, V2X Connectivity, Blockchain & Cybersecurity, and Big Data Analytics.

In addition to these initiatives, Tata Motors has partnered with esteemed universities, including BITS Pilani, MIT-ADT University Pune, and others, to create customized higher education opportunities for its employees. These programs encompass B.Tech, M.Tech, and Executive MBA courses, allowing employees to further hone their technical, professional, and leadership skills.

Moreover, Tata Motors has introduced a higher education program specifically tailored for shop floor technicians, enabling them to pursue a 'Diploma in Engineering' with a focus on auto electrical and electronics, mechatronics, and specialized welding skills. This initiative equips technicians with the qualifications required to thrive in the evolving automotive industry.

Embracing digital transformation, Tata Motors has implemented digital technologies to offer functional e-learnings and virtual classrooms for employees. This flexible approach enables individuals to upskill at their own pace and convenience, ensuring continuous growth and development.

Notably, Tata Motors' commitment to upskilling extends to its recent acquisition of the Ford India facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The company has partnered with Ganpat University to upskill 100% of the newly acquired workforce. These tailor-made learning programs encompass the latest manufacturing technologies, such as Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, Advanced Control Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Processes.

Tata Motors also operates a flagship full-time Apprenticeship Program aimed at developing young, skilled, agile, and digital-enabled professionals. The program focuses on in-demand skills such as mechatronics, IoT, robotics, and AI. Currently, more than 13,000 students are enrolled in the program, with over 88% of successful graduates finding employment opportunities within the automotive industry.

Promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce is another key pillar of Tata Motors' strategy. The company has achieved gender diversity on the shop floor, with the TCF assembly line at its Pune Plant entirely operated and managed by women employees. This commitment to diversity fosters a more inclusive and innovative work environment.

Mr. Sitaram Kandi, Vice President – HR, Passenger Vehicles and Electric Vehicles at Tata Motors, expressed the company's dedication to developing a future-ready workforce: "We are committed to further taking forward Tata Motor’s established legacy of nation-building and being the pioneer in the Indian auto industry. A dynamically evolving industry like ours mandates consistent upskilling and training to remain ahead of the curve and future-ready. Tata Motors has evolved into a learning organization with a structured and thoughtful approach to upskilling. Collaborating with tech partners and academic institutions, tailor-made training programs, a nationwide 'learn & earn' apprenticeship program, and a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion are enabling us to develop and nurture a capable, future-ready workforce that is fit to excel. We are doing this not just for ourselves and our channel partners but also for the Indian auto industry at large as well as its enabling ecosystem."

Tata Motors' relentless commitment to upskilling and nurturing a future-ready workforce underscores its determination to lead and innovate in the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry.