Stellantis India, in collaboration with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) Asia, has launched Project INSPIRE, a pioneering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap in India’s growing mobility and manufacturing sectors. The project, focused on developing technical skills in green and advanced technologies, was inaugurated at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) in Chennai, where the first phase of training commenced on May 26, 2025.
Project INSPIRE—short for Integrating Sustainability, Progress, Innovation, Readiness, and Employability—aims to train 2,500 students from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and vocational schools in Electric Vehicles (EVs), Mechatronics, and Robotics. In addition to student training, the program will also certify over 200 Master Trainers to ensure long-term sustainability. Chennai will serve as the starting point, with Pune as the next implementation site, leveraging the strengths of both cities in the automotive sector.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director, Stellantis India said, “At Stellantis, we believe upskilling is key to empowering individuals with the future-ready skillsets needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing industry. Through Project INSPIRE, we are equipping youth with the skills essential to thrive in the evolving fields of electric mobility, automation, and sustainability. By aligning with national priorities like Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0, this initiative bridges the gap between education and employment, while also supporting the automotive industry in its transition to a greener, more digital future. We are grateful for the partnership of ASSIST Asia and NITTTR Chennai, whose collaboration is integral to the success of this project.”
Beyond technical training, the program will provide modules on green skills, digital and financial literacy, health and safety, and job readiness to enhance students’ employability. The project targets placing 75% of participants in jobs or internships, achieving 30% female participation, and increasing entry-level salaries by 20%. It also aims for an 85% course completion rate and will work to upgrade the capacities of 10 technical institutions by aligning them more closely with industry needs.
Karunakaran K, Country Head, ASSIST Asia said, “ASSIST is proud to partner with Stellantis India on Project INSPIRE, which addresses the critical need for hands-on, industry-relevant training in India’s rapidly evolving automotive sector. This initiative goes beyond traditional education by providing young people with the skills required for emerging technologies such as electric mobility, robotics, and mechatronics. By equipping the workforce with future-ready skills, we are not only empowering youth but also ensuring that the automotive industry has the talent it needs to navigate its transformation. We look forward to seeing this partnership drive long-term impact, foster job creation, and contribute to a more sustainable, skilled economy.”
The choice of Chennai and Pune as implementation sites was strategic, considering their strong automotive ecosystems and robust technical education infrastructure. These cities offer the ideal environment for integrating classroom learning with industry demands, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.
The launch event at NITTTR Chennai brought together leaders from academia, government, and industry, marking a significant milestone in Stellantis India’s commitment to advancing technical education. This project complements Stellantis’ ongoing efforts in Tamil Nadu, including upgrading school infrastructure near its Thiruvallur plant, supporting STEM labs, collaborating with institutions like NIT Tiruchirappalli, and enhancing faculty development through initiatives like the Naan Mudhalvan program. These collective efforts underline Stellantis’ vision of empowering youth and building a skilled, sustainable workforce for the future.
