The first joint skill‑development centre in India is now live in Agra, a move that will ripple through the country’s after‑sales ecosystem. The Autograd Regional Skill Development Centre sits inside the premises of Ashok Auto Sales and the Manoram Bajaj Group, making it a one‑stop shop for dealerships that want to up‑skill their staff.
FADA Academy, the training arm of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) have teamed up to deliver courses that mirror the day‑to‑day demands of a service advisor. The inaugural batch pulls candidates from regional dealerships that carry Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha and Tata Motors – brands that already have a massive footprint across the sub‑continent. The collaboration, according to FADA Chairman C. S. Vigneshwar, is about closing the gap between education and real‑world retail operations.
Dealership owners expect this partnership to translate into smoother customer interactions. A better‑trained advisor can diagnose issues faster, recommend spare parts more accurately and close sales more efficiently – all of which matter to a buyer who is looking for a hassle‑free ownership experience. For enthusiasts, the promise of a more knowledgeable support network means higher confidence in long‑term maintenance.
The centre’s curriculum is still being rolled out. While the first focus is on the service‑advisor role, the founders intend to expand into parts‑management, workshop operations and even digital sales training. This phased approach mirrors the way OEMs roll out new tech packages: start small, prove value, then scale.
For buyers in the market now, the centre’s launch signals that dealers are investing in human capital, not just hardware. It is a subtle nod that the Indian automotive market is moving toward a more professional service model, which could influence future buying decisions.
The Autograd centre is open for enrolment immediately, and dealerships across the region can register their teams online. Those who want to keep an eye on the next phase should watch for updates on how the training models adapt to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and connected cars.