CSR: Bajaj Auto to collaborate with Indian universities for imparting manufacturing skills to students

Pune, India: Bajaj Auto, the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company, has made a significant commitment towards transforming the lives of the youth of India by providing them with the best-in-class manufacturing skills training through their new CSR initiative BEST: Bajaj Engineering Skills Training.

Under this program, Bajaj Auto will be collaborating with India’s top universities and engineering colleges to set up state-of-the-art laboratories that will improve the hands-on skills of thousands of young people, helping them become competent and employable. The training centres will provide advanced skill training to engineering graduates (with both degrees and diplomas) and help address the skill gap in the manufacturing industry.

Bajaj Auto would be providing these training centres with state-of-the-art equipment procured from across the world. In the initial phase of the programme, Bajaj Auto would fund the operational expenses and over a sustained period, gradually encourage these centres to become financially sustainable.

Speaking on the initiative, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director – Bajaj Auto Limited, said, “Every year, more than 12 million people enter the workforce. But with rapid changes in technology, there is a huge gap between academia and industry in making the youth job ready. With a legacy of giving back to society, we are now proud to announce our flagship CSR project that commits to bridging this gap.”

The training will focus on 4 critical modules: (1) Mechatronics, (2) Motion Control and Sensor Technology, (3) Robotics and Automation, and (4) Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing.

The courses will equip the trainees with relevant skills, information, practice (hands-on training), and the mindset to be employment ready. The curriculum will be in alignment with the National Occupational Standards (NOSs) of employment positions within the sector.

BEST aims to support young learners from the economically weaker sections of society, those hailing from backward and disadvantaged areas to enhance their employment opportunities. Beyond providing them with demand-driven skill training, BEST will also create a platform for them to use their acquired skills in the current and emerging technology space. Bajaj Auto would also provide scholarships to disadvantaged students.

Pradeep Shrivastava, Executive Director-Bajaj Auto Ltd, elaborated, “BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) has already partnered with some of India’s top institutes to train engineering graduates with cutting-edge skills. The labs and the programme design have been crafted by a group of senior leaders and engineers of Bajaj Auto, which emphasises our commitment to this programme. We look forward to collaborating with the industry and academia to make this initiative reach out to the deserving youth of India.”

In the launch phase, Bajaj Auto has collaborated with Banasthali Vidhyapeeth in Tonk, Rajasthan (Asia’s largest women’s university with a NIRF ranking of 58) and Symbiosis International University in Pune, Maharashtra (one of the reputed educational institutions with a NIRF ranking of 32). It will soon be extended to other top universities and engineering colleges across the country.