Stellantis India Launches Project INSPIRE to Bridge Skill Gaps in EVs and Automation!

Stellantis India, in collaboration with ASSIST Asia, has launched Project INSPIRE, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at addressing the skill gaps in India’s rapidly evolving mobility and manufacturing sectors. The project was officially launched at NITTTR Chennai, with representatives from academia, industry, and government gathered to discuss how to support Tamil Nadu’s vision of developing a strong engineering talent pool and enhancing technical expertise to foster sustainable industrial growth.

The initiative is designed as a year-long training program that focuses on equipping India’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the technology-driven and sustainable sectors, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and automation. It aligns with India’s national priorities, such as Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0, positioning the country as a leader in green and digital technologies.

Launched on May 26, 2025, the first phase of Project INSPIRE is set to benefit 2,500 students from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and vocational institutions. These students will receive practical training in electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics, and robotics—core fields crucial for the future of the automotive industry. The project will also train 200 master trainers, ensuring the program’s sustainability and long-term impact. With a focus on green skills, digital literacy, health and safety, and job readiness, Project INSPIRE aims to boost employability and help fill critical job roles in the automotive and mobility sectors.

One of the key objectives of Project INSPIRE is to achieve a 75% placement rate for students in internships or jobs, significantly enhancing their career prospects. The project also aims to improve female participation in the automotive and technical fields, traditionally underrepresented in these sectors. Another important goal is to increase entry-level salaries by 20%, helping to ensure that students not only gain the skills needed for the jobs of the future but are also compensated fairly for their expertise.

Karunakaran K, Country Head of ASSIST Asia, highlighted the importance of hands-on, industry-relevant training, saying, “ASSIST is proud to partner with Stellantis India on Project INSPIRE, which addresses the critical need for skill development in India’s rapidly changing automotive sector.” The collaboration with Stellantis India aims to build a sustainable talent pipeline that can meet the growing demands of the electric mobility and automation industries.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, emphasized that the project is designed to equip youth with the skills necessary to succeed in the fields of electric mobility, automation, and sustainability. He noted, “By aligning with national priorities, this initiative bridges the gap between education and employment, while also supporting the automotive industry in its transition to a greener, more digital future.” He also expressed gratitude to the partners involved, including ASSIST Asia and NITTTR Chennai, whose collaboration is integral to the project’s success.

In addition to launching Project INSPIRE, Stellantis India has also made significant investments in upgrading school infrastructure in Tamil Nadu by establishing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) labs to foster innovation and skill development. The company has partnered with institutions like NIT Tiruchirappalli and the Naan Mudhalvan program to enhance faculty capabilities, ensuring that both students and educators are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future.

With Project INSPIRE, Stellantis India is not just training the next generation of automotive professionals but is also playing a key role in shaping the future of India’s green and digital economies. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to India’s growth as a global leader in the fields of electric vehicles, automation, and sustainable technologies.