Tata Motors partners BITS Pilani for automotive engineering programme

In yet another instance of the growing connect between industry and academia, Tata Motors has entered into long-term partnership with Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS, Pilani) to create a platform for a series of technical education programs. This initiative is aimed at building world-class technical skills to not only bridge existing skill gaps but also to prepare a future-ready organization. This is a first industry-academia partnership for Tata Motors to develop technical talent at multiple levels in the organisation.

Gajendra Chandel, chief human resource officer, Tata Motors, and Professor G Sundar, BITS director (Off Campus Programs & Industry Engagement), signed a five-year MOU to ensure the engineering programs are aimed at meeting the requirements of the automotive industry. The first set of programmes to roll out will be a customised Masters as well Bachelor’s Degree in Technology for Automotive Engineering, which will run across various locations in India. 

Speaking on this association, Chandel said, “The business landscape is rapidly evolving and to maintain our position in the marketplace, it is imperative that we foresee and plan for a world-class, competent, talented and innovative workforce. We are working closely with various leading institutions to continuously develop engineering skills, not only at the engineering institutes but also within the company. This partnership with BITS, Pilani is a step in this direction, where we design and develop joint initiatives between the industry and academia, plugging in the technology talent gap in the years to come. We are looking forward to pushing the boundaries of learning with this program and are simultaneously gearing up to roll-out more such collaborative tie-ups with academia to develop industry-ready resources. This also supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ program, encouraging the Indian Industry to compete at a global platform.”

Professor G Sundar, BITS director, added, “We are excited to partner with Tata Motors in this uniquely collaborative programme. There is a lot that we can learn from each other. It is a mutually beneficial initiative which will result in exchange of knowledge and of industry practice. At the end of the programme, we will have created a talent pool which is ahead of the curve, acquiring advanced knowledge, and narrowing the skills-gap.”

The course comprises technical orientation delivered through classroom sessions and on-the-job training in state-of-the-art engineering, design, manufacturing and customer support facilities in Tata Motors. Students will be mentored and guided by industry leaders and will also engage with the automaker for practice sessions wherein they would work with the company for six months on significant business projects. After periodic assessment and on successful completion of the programme, a certificate will be awarded jointly by BITS, Pilani and Tata Motors.