In a significant step toward strengthening skill development and youth employability in the region, Manipal Skill Development Centre (MSDC) has partnered with Bosch India Foundation to launch the LEAP Program — Livelihood Enhancement through Automotive Skills Development. This initiative is designed to equip young aspirants with industry-aligned automotive skills, enabling them to access meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.

The program was officially flagged off on 22 December 2025 during a special inaugural ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Brig. Dr. Surjit Singh Pabla, Chairman of MSDC; Mr. Roshan Karkada, President of the District Garage Owners Association, Udupi; and Mr. Manjunath. The inaugural batch welcomed 25 enthusiastic students, each of whom received Bosch-supported training kits to begin their hands-on learning journey.

The LEAP Program will initially offer three specialized training tracks, carefully tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s automotive industry:
1. Automotive Technician – 4 Wheeler
2. Automotive Technician – 2 Wheeler
3. Service Advisor

These programs combine practical, real-world training with industry insights, preparing students for entry-level roles in service centres, garages, and automotive after-sales operations.

A key highlight of the LEAP Program is that it is completely free of cost for enrolled students. In addition to high-quality technical training, participants will benefit from post-training placement support, jointly facilitated by Bosch India Foundation and MSDC, ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.

Bosch India Foundation, the social engagement arm of Bosch in India, has a strong legacy of supporting employment-enhancing vocational skill development. Through initiatives like LEAP, Bosch continues to bridge the skill gap and improve job readiness among youth, particularly in the automotive services sector where demand for skilled professionals remains high.

Addressing the gathering, Brig. Dr. Surjit Singh Pabla highlighted the importance of industry-relevant training in empowering today’s youth and emphasized the role of LEAP in creating competent professionals capable of thriving in competitive work environments. The presence of local automotive leaders, including Mr. Roshan Karkada, further underscored the strong industry backing for this initiative.

With the first cohort now underway, MSDC and Bosch India Foundation are preparing to onboard additional batches in the coming months, aiming to extend transformative career opportunities to a wider pool of young learners.

For aspiring students and community members, the LEAP Program stands as a beacon of opportunity—offering not just skill development, but a clear pathway to employment and long-term career growth in the automotive sector. Interested candidates and institutions are encouraged to contact the MSDC team for details on enrollment, upcoming batches, and other industry-focused training programs.