Kia India and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) have teamed up to build a more industry-ready workforce, officially opening a new automotive skill development centre at Don Bosco ITI in Kurla, Mumbai.
This Mumbai location is the first launch in a broader, four-city pilot program designed to train 360 candidates across the country.
Backed by Kia India’s CSR initiative, the program offers free, hands-on training to help young talent break into the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
Here is how the initiative breaks down:
- The Scope: The program will train 150 candidates each in Mumbai and Faridabad, alongside 30 candidates each in Bengaluru and Kolkata.
- The Curriculum: Trainees get a mix of classroom instruction, practical hands-on work, and real-world, on-the-job exposure.
- The Career Tracks: The Mumbai centre focuses on three specific roles: Four-Wheeler Service Technician, Automotive Service Advisor, and Automotive Sales Executive.
- The Network: The Mumbai and Faridabad centres operate exclusively under Kia India, while the Bengaluru and Kolkata locations are set up to accommodate other automakers as well.
If this pilot hits its marks, Kia and the ASDC plan to use it as a scalable blueprint to roll out similar skilling hubs across additional locations.
Leadership Comment
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we view skill development as an important enabler of inclusive growth and long-term industry advancement. Our partnership with ASDC is aimed at creating meaningful pathways for young people by providing access to structured, industry-relevant training without any financial burden. By integrating classroom instruction with practical learning and workplace exposure, the programme will help candidates develop capabilities aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive sector. The initiative reflects our commitment to creating sustainable value for communities while contributing to a stronger and future-ready mobility ecosystem.”
Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC, said, “India’s automotive industry is witnessing significant growth and transformation, resulting in an increasing requirement for skilled professionals across technical and customer-facing functions. Through this partnership with 
Kia India, we aim to bridge the prevailing skills gap by delivering industry-relevant training closer to aspiring professionals. The programme will prepare candidates for practical workplace requirements while supporting the sector’s transition towards a more technology-led and customer-centric ecosystem.”
Mr. Amar Sheth, Vice President, FADA, said, “The continued growth of the automotive retail sector requires a reliable pipeline of skilled professionals who understand both technical operations and evolving customer expectations. The Kia India–ASDC initiative represents an important step towards aligning workforce capabilities with dealership requirements. By equipping young people with practical skills across vehicle servicing, customer advisory and automotive sales, the programme can enhance employability while supporting the industry’s long-term growth.”
