Mercedes-Benz India has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to launch a 12-month automotive skill development program called IGNiTE 4.0. The program aims to train 1,000 youth and women from economically weaker backgrounds in skill areas such as electric vehicle service, automotive quality control, product testing, and industry 4.0 technologies. The initiative will run from March 2025 to March 2026 at newly established Skill Development Centres in Pune and Delhi-NCR.
The program includes efforts to promote gender inclusion, with 30 per cent of participants expected to be women. It also offers entrepreneurship training, mock interviews, workplace visits, and post-placement support to improve employability outcomes. The training will be delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Kedman Skilling Private Limited will serve as the training partner, with Manav Rachna University and MIT ADT University hosting the centres.
The partnership aims to create career pathways for young individuals while addressing the automotive industry’s need for skilled professionals in emerging technologies. According to Emrah Oezer, Mercedes-Benz India’s Executive Director and CFO, the initiative supports India’s goal of developing a skilled workforce as the country transitions to e-mobility and Industry 4.0. The program will be implemented in three stages: assessment and centre setup, intensive training and job mapping, and post-training placement and mentoring.
The structure is intended to ensure long-term career growth for participants. The initiative has received support from Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, who stated that the program supports India’s skilling vision. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the automotive industry and the economy as a whole, by providing skilled professionals and promoting gender inclusion.
The IGNiTE 4.0 program is a significant step towards addressing the skill gap in the automotive industry and promoting sustainable development. The partnership between Mercedes-Benz India and NSDC is a testament to the commitment of the industry and the government to develop a skilled workforce and promote economic growth. The program is expected to benefit not only the participants but also the industry and the economy as a whole, by providing skilled professionals and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.