ASDC, FADA Academy, and Prayaas Trust Partner to Train 5,000 Youth for India’s Auto Sector
India’s automotive industry is gearing up for a skills transformation. The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA Academy), and Prayaas Trust have inked a tripartite MoU to launch a nationwide initiative to prepare young talent for the future of mobility.
The partnership is designed to close the skill gap in the auto sector, uplift underprivileged communities, and create sustainable job pathways, particularly for youth and women.
Scaling up grassroots training
Prayaas Trust has been working with disadvantaged communities in states such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar for over two decades. Its flagship program in auto service training has already enabled more than 1,000 families to secure stable livelihoods, boasting a 90% placement rate.
Under the new MoU, the program will scale rapidly from just three centres to 20 training hubs across India. The goal: to equip 5,000 young people over the next three years, with at least 30% of seats reserved for women.
Shared responsibilities for impact
The three partners will bring complementary strengths to the table. ASDC will spearhead curriculum design, keeping modules updated with the latest industry needs — from electric vehicle servicing to AI-enabled automotive systems. FADA Academy will tap into its expansive dealership network to provide structured placements, internships, and mentoring support. Meanwhile, Prayaas Trust will focus on the grassroots side — identifying candidates, running the training centres, and hand-holding trainees after placements — all at no cost to beneficiaries.
Funding through CSR and partnerships
The expansion will be financed through a mix of CSR contributions, industry support, and philanthropic donors. Corporations are being encouraged to co-fund skill centres, sponsor learning materials, and participate in placement drives. This shared model is expected to create a steady talent pipeline for the industry, while also empowering economically marginalised communities.
Industry voices
Commenting on the partnership, Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC, said the initiative would ensure “youth from underprivileged backgrounds are not left behind as the industry transitions to new technologies.”
Saharsh Damani, CEO of FADA Academy, called the collaboration a way to “shape futures while building a stronger workforce for tomorrow’s automotive landscape.”
From the grassroots perspective, Sudhir Kumar, Secretary of Prayaas Trust, described it as “a chance to multiply our impact and transform lives on a national scale.”
Manish Raj Singhnia, Chairperson of FADA Academy, summed it up: “This is about bridging aspirations with opportunities and strengthening the industry’s future readiness.”
The MoU signals not just a skills partnership, but also a step toward inclusive growth in an industry that is undergoing rapid change, from electrification to digitalisation. For many young Indians, it may be the bridge between aspiration and a sustainable livelihood.