TECHNICAL EMPOWERMENT AT MAXION WHEELS

In an era where the need for skilled labour is more pressing than ever, initiatives focused on upskilling through industry-academia collaboration have become pivotal to national growth, writes

- Upendra Kasbekar

Industry-academia collaboration has long been the backbone of real world worthy solutions. Iochpe-Maxion which operates 33 manufacturing plants across 14 countries, including three in India produces approximately 50 million wheels annually, supplying a significant portion of the chassis for trucks in North and South America. The manufacturing facilities are strategically located close to customers, ensuring that client needs are met efficiently. As the global vehicle production hovers around 90 million units annually, the entity is prepared to scale operations in response to the anticipated growth in markets like India. It has found the answer to bridge the skill gap in a bid to execute on ground.

One such transformative initiative is the ‘Formare’ programme. Brought to India by the Lochpe Foundation and its long-time partner, Maxion Wheels, the focus on equipping economically disadvantaged youth with the tools for the real world is paying off. The skillset required for employability and bridging the gap between academia and industry are being imparted under the initiative. The programme aims to bring about sustainable change in both personal and professional spheres. Formare’s course work and journey, its expansion into India, the challenges faced, and the success stories from Brazil, and Mexico are beginning to reflect in India as per Claudio Anjos, President of the Lochpe Foundation

Early roots and horizon

The Formare program, initiated by the Lochpe Foundation, has a simple yet powerful goal: to empower vulnerable youth by providing them with technical education and hands-on industry experience. With successful implementation in Brazil and Mexico, Formare has helped thousands of students break out of the poverty cycle by focusing on three core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): employability, income generation, and continued education.