- Stellantis India partners with ASSIST Asia to train 2,500 students in EV systems, mechatronics, and robotics through Project INSPIRE.
- The program aims for 75% job placement, 30% female participation, and certifies 200 master trainers for sustainability.
- Training starts in Chennai, with plans to expand to Pune, supporting India’s push toward Industry 4.0 and sustainable mobility.
Stellantis India has launched Project INSPIRE, a major corporate social responsibility initiative focused on skilling youth in emerging automotive technologies. The program, developed in collaboration with ASSIST Asia, aims to train 2,500 students from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and vocational schools in areas such as electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics, and robotics.
The training commenced on May 26 at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) in Chennai, marking the beginning of the program’s first phase. The initiative also seeks to certify 200 master trainers to ensure long-term sustainability and broader impact within the technical education ecosystem.
With a goal of 75 percent job placement or internship rates and 30 percent female participation, Project INSPIRE is designed to enhance workforce readiness in India’s fast-evolving automotive sector. Additional training modules include green skills, digital and financial literacy, health and safety protocols, and job preparedness.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, stated that Project INSPIRE aligns with national development goals such as Viksit Bharat 2047 and supports Industry 4.0 objectives. “Through this initiative, we are bridging the gap between industry requirements and the skillsets of our youth”, he noted.
The program will initially operate in Chennai, followed by a rollout in Pune, both key hubs for India’s automotive manufacturing sector. These cities were selected for their robust industrial infrastructure and presence of technical institutions capable of aligning curriculum with real-world industry needs.
Karunakaran K, Country Head of ASSIST Asia, emphasized the relevance of the partnership in addressing the critical skill gaps in the automotive industry. “Project INSPIRE will play a transformative role in shaping a future-ready workforce”, he added.
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The launch event at NITTTR Chennai saw participation from stakeholders including government agencies, academia, and industry leaders. The initiative forms part of Stellantis’ broader effort to strengthen technical education and promote sustainable workforce development.
Stellantis has previously contributed to educational upliftment in Tamil Nadu, benefiting over 1,500 students through infrastructure support around its Thiruvallur manufacturing plant. The company has also engaged with NIT Tiruchirappalli and the Naan Mudhalvan program, reaching more than 10,000 students.
As India’s automotive sector shifts toward sustainable mobility and automation, the need for trained professionals is accelerating. Project INSPIRE aims to achieve an 85 percent course completion rate and increase entry-level salaries by 20 percent, thereby reinforcing India’s readiness for the future of mobility.
