Thrissur (Kerala) Jan 20 (IANS): Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation, Tuesday announced the launch of its distinctive training model - Body & Paint Technician Toyota-Technical Education Program (T-TEP) at Government ITI Chalakudy near here.

T-TEP, is a one year training module in which Toyota has tied up with industrial training institutes. It was launched in 2006 in India and is the first such program to be launched in Kerala.

With this program, Toyota Kirloskar Motor intends to enhance the technical abilities and employability of Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students in the age group of 16 to 18 years.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd senior vice president Hitoshi Iwanaga said the tie up will cater to the requirement of skilled manpower in the Indian automobile industry.

"The partnership with Government ITI Chalakudy is one such step. Our mission is to carve a career path for talented students in the rural market, and to provide job opportunities within the similar line of work in the automobile industry," said Iwanaga.

Toyota will provide all necessary support to the institute in the form of training consumables, visiting faculty, training materials, tools and equipment.

T-TEP is widely recognized across the globe for its effectiveness. The program has been successfully introduced in 419 institutes across 53 countries by Toyota, which include USA, Australia, Italy, South Africa, China, Vietnam and India.