100 Toyota Apprentices to Receive ‘Rural-to-Global’ Exposure in Japan

Karnataka Urges Centre to Raise Industry Apprenticeship Quota

Bengaluru, Nov. 1: The Karnataka government on Friday urged the Centre to increase the apprenticeship intake limit for industries, which has been reduced by the Central Apprentices Council.

Skill development, entrepreneurship and medical education minister Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil said a higher apprenticeship ceiling would benefit both industries and aspiring youth by creating more employment and training opportunities.

Speaking at Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s (TKM) Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) held at its Bidadi plant, about 40 km from Bengaluru, Dr. Patil asked Sonal Mishra, centre’s additional secretary, department of skill development & entrepreneurship, who was present at the event to consider amending the current rule.

At present, industries are permitted to engage apprentices only up to 15% of their total workforce. Increasing this limit would enable industries to contribute more effectively to skill development while expanding employment opportunities for youth.

Responding positively, Sonal Mishra assured that Karnataka’s proposal would soon be placed before the Central Apprentices Council for consideration.

‘Rural-to-Global’ Exposure in Japan

During the occasion, Dr. Patil flagged off 100 Toyota Kaushalya apprentices trained under the company’s Global Skill-Up Training (GST) program to Japan, calling it a “rural-to-global opportunity” for Karnataka’s youth.

The selected apprentices—drawn from economically disadvantaged families across rural Karnataka—underwent three years of advanced training at TKM’s Bidadi facility.

“These 100 apprentices will now undergo on-the-job training at Toyota’s Aichi manufacturing plant in Japan for 10 months, following a one-month classroom program. The initiative not only sharpens their technical expertise but also helps them embrace global values and professionalism,” said B. Padmanabha and G. Shankara, executive vice-presidents, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The GST program, aligned with the Indo-Japan Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), aims at holistic development—combining technical skills, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

Before departure, all participants completed training in English and Japanese languages. In addition to automotive know-how, they were sensitized to civic values, respect for diversity, and cross-cultural collaboration, preparing them to contribute effectively in a global environment.