Volvo Group in talks with universities to enhance automotive engineering education

Volvo Group India Private Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal University, KIIT University and SRM University. 

The MoU aims to enhance the industry readiness of students in the automotive sector and strengthen industry-academia linkages. The important event was attended by Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director, Volvo Group India, Dr. Abhishek Ray, Dean, KIIT University, Dr. Anil Rana, Director, Manipal University, Dr. M.S. Vivekanandan, Director, Corporate Relations and Career Services, SRM University, Dr Maheshwar Dwivedi, Associate Dean, Academic-Industry Relations and Professional Internships, SRM University, Dr N. Venkata Sastry, Director, Career Centre, SRM University and Dr Priyadarshi Biswal, Dean, KIIT Industry.

Objective and Benefits

The primary objective of the partnership is to provide mentorship opportunities to postgraduate students in Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics disciplines. Under this, students will also get pre-placement offers and internship opportunities, which will help them hone their specific competencies at the beginning of their career in automotive engineering.

Two-semester credit program

This partnership is primarily based on a two-semester credit program, which focuses on unique topics of the automobile industry and provides students with an in-depth understanding of the sector. Under this program, Volvo Group will carry out the following activities:

1. Training of faculty members: Volvo Group will train faculty members through industry-specific sessions.
2. Training sessions: Industry-specific sessions will be conducted by experienced professionals.
3. Case studies and lectures: Relevant case studies and lectures will be provided
4. Guest lectures: Guest lectures will be conducted.
5. Academic support: Faculty members will be provided academic support.

Promoting diversity and inclusivity

Volvo Group will also provide scholarships to female students to promote diversity and inclusivity in the automotive industry. This move is an important effort to encourage gender equality in the industry.

Importance of Collaboration

Volvo Group India President and Managing Director Kamal Bali said on the occasion that this collaboration with these prestigious institutes is an important step towards empowering the upcoming generation of engineers. He said, "This partnership is a unique opportunity to provide students with real industry experience and knowledge, which will help them advance in their careers."

Confluence of Academic and Industry

The confluence of academics and industry through this MoU will provide a rich and comprehensive education to the students. With the experience and expertise of Volvo Group, students will get an opportunity to solve real-life problems, which will play a vital role in their professional development.

Innovation and Quality Upgradation in Education

This collaboration will bring innovation and quality upgradation in education, giving students updated information about the latest technologies and practices. Along with this, this program will provide a global perspective to the students, making them ready to compete at the international level.

Benefits for Teachers and Students

This collaboration opens up new opportunities for professional development for teachers. They will get an opportunity to work with industry experts, thereby improving their teaching methods. For students, this program will enhance not only academic success but also career prospects.

Extensive internships and training

Under this partnership, students will get extensive internships and training opportunities, which will enable them to enhance their practical skills. The experience of solving real-time problems in the industry will be extremely important for their professional development.

Developing students' unique competencies

Another major goal of this program is to develop the unique competencies of students. They will acquire critical skills early in their career in the field of automotive engineering, which will enrich their professional lives.

Broader impact of industry-academia collaboration

Thus, this MoU between Volvo Group and Manipal University, KIIT University and SRM University will not only help in the academic and professional development of students, but it will also strengthen industry-academia relations. This collaboration will provide real-world industry experience to the students, enabling them to excel in their careers.

Keynote Address at the Ceremony

Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, Kamal Bali said, “Our aim is to provide students a platform where they can develop their skills and prepare to face the challenges in the industry.”

Thus, this MoU will prove to be an important milestone in the field of industry and academia, which will prove to be beneficial for both sectors.