Toyota Tsusho NTTF Training Center (TNTC), opened by Toyota Tsusho Corporation (Toyota Tsusho) in the Mandal Industrial Park for dedicated use by Japanese companies in Gujarat, India received certification from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as of today, October 18 as a JIM: Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing.

The Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing is a collaboration between the Japanese and Indian governments and Japanese corporations. It is one of the human resource development programs establishing Japanese-style techniques and work style at Indian manufacturing sites. It aims to foster workers who can play a central role at manufacturing sites in the future.

The newly certified TNTC offers an "on-the-job training" NEEM (*1) scheme where workers acquire manufacturing techniques along with classroom learning and are developed into leaders who can take action on-site. Prior to the certification, 35 students began their studies with TNTC on September 24. In the three year educational program, students study English, business etiquette and teamwork, etc., in addition to ways of thinking about Japanese-style manufacturing practices such as manufacturing techniques, safety and kaizen (continuous improvement). After completing the program, graduates are given a diploma (equivalent to a graduation qualification from a technical college).

The certification ceremony carried out at METI, was attended by His Excellency Mr. Sujan R. Chinoy Ambassador of India to Japan, various individuals connected with the program and the certified corporation. Executive vice president of Toyota Tsusho, Yuichi Oi, was also in attendance.

In India, which is experiencing marked economic growth, Toyota Tsusho will contribute to raising the level of the Indian government's slogan "Made in India" and "Skill India," as well as developing and securing human resources desirable to Japanese corporations which are advancing into Gujarat, India, and carrying out business management support.

(*1) NEEM (National Employability Enhancement Mission) is an Indian government-approved on-the-job vocational training program. Students are dispatched to sponsoring corporations, and receive vocational training as OJT.