Toyota Kirloskar Motor in association with Government of Mizoram and Zote Toyota Establishes its 67th Toyota Technical Education Program [T-TEP] and STAR Scholarship Initiative in Mizoram

Continuing its commitment to the nation’s ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ missions, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of its 67^th Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) and the “Scholarship program for Technical Education and Recognition” [STAR] initiative under T-TEP at Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Aizwal, Mizoram.  Reaffirming TKM’s unwavering commitment to fostering skill development and enhancing employability opportunities across the area. The initiative is a collaboration between TKM, the Government of Mizoram, and dealership partner Zote Toyota, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing youth employability and fostering skill development. The launch event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State - Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dept. Government of Mizoram.

The primary objective of these initiatives is to improve the skills of students, particularly those from rural areas, and increase their employability through the company's unique program. This T-TEP facility focuses on the General Technician Category, delivering employable skills and knowledge to young talents pursuing courses in Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV) and Diesel Mechanic Trade. Zote Toyota, as a key partner, shares equal ownership in the establishment of T-TEP and is also contributing towards the STAR Scholarship Program, reinforcing their commitment to sustaining T-TEP operations and supporting deserving students.

T-TEP is a comprehensive, year-long initiative designed for final-year ITI and Diploma students. It combines On-the-Job Training (OJT) with a curriculum focused on equipping students with technical skills essential for the evolving needs of the Indian automotive industry. The program includes specialized training for lead trainers, practical experience at Toyota dealerships to boost employability, and a curriculum aligned with advanced automotive technologies. In addition to T-TEP, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) launched the STAR Scholarship Program to support economically disadvantaged students pursuing technical education. To date, over 13,000 students have been trained through T-TEP, with more than 70% securing employment in the automotive sector and its dealerships nationwide.

TKM has been a leader in supporting the local manufacturing ecosystem and empowering communities through skill development. With flagship initiatives such as the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), TKM has been committed to providing world-class skilling to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for over a decade. These programs are helping foster a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry.

Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State - Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dept. Government of Mizoram, said “It is truly encouraging to see TKM's continued commitment to uplifting the skills and employability of youth in Mizoram and beyond. The initiative brings valuable resources and training to our students, opening doors to professional growth and success in the automotive industry. This collaboration not only equips students with hands-on technical expertise but also plays a vital role in supporting our state's vision for skill development and economic empowerment. We look forward to seeing more of our youth build successful careers through this impactful program.”

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At TKM, we believe that empowering young minds with the right skills is vital not only for individual growth but also for the nation's progress. Our initiatives like the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) and the STAR Scholarship Program are designed to create sustainable opportunities for students, particularly from underserved rural regions, to gain hands-on, industry-relevant skills. We are committed to bridging the gap between education and employability through these targeted initiatives. By partnering with technical institutes across the country, we aim to make a real difference in the lives of deserving students, providing them with pathways to quality education, skill development, and a strong foundation for a career in the automotive sector.”

Speaking at the event, Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal of Zote Toyota, said, “With the rapid technological advancements in the automotive industry, increasing motorization, and evolving customer expectations, the need for highly skilled technicians has never been greater. T-TEP rises to this challenge by equipping students with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates automobile fundamentals, cutting-edge technologies, Toyota’s core principles, and essential interpersonal skills. At Zote Toyota, we are deeply committed to nurturing these aspiring professionals by offering practical on-the-job training and fostering their overall skill development. Our shared responsibility in establishing and sustaining T-TEP, coupled with our equal contribution to the STAR Scholarship Program, ensures that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students. We aim to empower them to focus on learning and building promising careers in the automotive sector.”

Sharing his thoughts, Principal of Government Institute of Technical Training, Aizwal, PC Lalhriatpuia said, “It is an honour for our institution to collaborate with TKM in bringing the Toyota Technical Education Program to Aizwal. This program is not just a training initiative; it is a gateway for students from rural communities to step into a world of opportunities within the automotive industry. The STAR Scholarship program, introduced under T-TEP, further strengthens this support by easing the financial burden for talented students pursuing technical education, allowing them to focus on learning rather than financial constraints. With Toyota’s investment in our institution, including state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and faculty training, our students will gain industry-relevant skills and invaluable hands-on experience to prepare them for successful careers.”

TKM, in collaboration with its dealer partner, has invested over Rs 1.5 million in enhancing infrastructure, developing e-learning content, and providing engines, transmissions, practice kits, and faculty training through its unique Train-The-Trainer approach. Additionally, TKM introduced the STAR (Scholarship Program for Technical Education and Recognition) under T-TEP. The STAR program aims to empower deserving students from economically challenged backgrounds to pursue higher studies in technical institutes (ITIs/Polytechnics). Eligible students can receive scholarships of up to Rs 51,000 per year, covering hostel fees, educational expenses, and family support.

Following its inauguration in Mizoram, this program will further extend its benefits to students across 10 states—Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh—as well as the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. TKM is committed to expanding the T-TEP initiative to rural areas to meet the automotive industry's requirements, promoting skill development, and providing opportunities for talented students to excel in the sector. Since its inception in 2006, T-TEP has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry, contributing significantly to the automotive sector and the "Skill India" mission.