India’s second largest auto maker ‘Hyundai’ has set up a Technical Training Academy in Bangalore. The initiative has been taken as South India is one of the most crucial markets of the company. As per this initiative, Hyundai will be providing technical training for their after-sales support workers.
Hyundai Technical Academy (HTA) is set up on the property of Trident Hyundai, in order be ahead of the auto industry needs and the existing college syllabus. This well-resourced teaching school will be imparting multi-level technical knowledge to the technicians from Kerala and Karnataka.
Established in June 2011, the HTA’s classroom lectures are intermixed with practical training which is given on the shop floor. Up till now the academy had trained 110 students in seven batches, each batch consisting of 15 students.
Hyundai certifies its dealers on the following:
| Steps | Details | Certificate Awarded |
| Hyundai H Step 1 | 13 Training Days | Certified Technician |
| Hyundai H Step 2 | 3-5 Training Days | Expert Technician |
| Hyundai H Step 3 | Written Test, Practical and Viva | Master Technician |
In Hyundai H Step 1, the candidates are selected by the respective dealers and are sent to Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) for training. On the other hand, in Hyundai H Step 2, the certification is divided in three divisions namely Engine, Chassis, and Electrical. The training period of each is of three to five days. While, Hyundai H Step 3 mainly focuses on defect diagnosing skills of the trainees on the car.
Talking about the objective or the necessity of the training, the spokesperson for the company said, “In Trident, we are highly focused on this, whereby scheduled continuous in-house theoretical and practical training are imparted. We also many times take the assistance of Vendors and other experts for these training sessions.”
The representatives from Trident, to make amendments in the syllabus of the technical institutions, participated and recommended additions of budding technology for periodic revision of course outline. This course is perfect for the students who have done ITI courses in diesel and automobile engineering.
As far as the job nature is concerned, the applicants with automobile engineering background are trained as either Trainee Technicians or Trainee Service Advisors. The selected candidates are extended on both practical and theoretical job training.
Recruiting process is quite simple here. The ground level candidates in the company, if found appropriate are considered for the post of trainee service advisor. The new trainees are given training for one year maximum until and unless he/she is prepared to perform duties as a service advisor.
In spite of all this, there are certain challenges that the company is facing. As per the estimates, the basic problem is that 40 to 50 percent of rural institute students are BE candidates. Secondly, 10 to 15 percent students have some back subjects to clear before getting into a job. Thirdly, 15 percent of the candidates hope to join traditional family business. Fourthly, 10 to 15 percent of good students are taken by manufacturers for field services or for production purpose. Lastly, 5 percent are girl candidates who have problem in relocating.
Hyundai has expansion plans for Hyundai Technical Academy. The company is renovating its pioneer workshops known as Yeswanthpur and Indiranagar. These two workshops are being upgraded with all modern facilities for better productivity. In the first quarter of 2012, a huge 3S facility with advanced technologies at KR Puram will be made operational. The company has also plans for new facilities at Tumkur, Shimoga and Davangere.
