Canon India Enhances Its Apprenticeship Training Program under Skill India Initiative In Collaboration With Japan-India Institute For Manufacturing (JIM)

Originally launched in 2015 as part of the Skill India initiative, Canon India’s Apprenticeship Program annually onboards 30-35 apprentices across various locations in India. Now, through this new collaboration, Canon aims to further strengthen and standardize the program, centered at the Canon Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) in Noida.

The Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing represents a collaborative effort between Japan and India, established under a 2016 MOU between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Canon’s newly enhanced Apprenticeship Training Program with JIM offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip engineering graduates and diploma holders with essential skills. The new program brings with it a more structured framework, facilitating standardized training at the CTEC facility and thereby enabling increased opportunities for in-person collaboration and allows apprentices to learn the Japanese methods of service orientation more effectively.

Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President & CEO, Canon India, stated, “Talent is a critical contributing factor to the success of an industry, and Canon is committed to empowering the youth of India with relevant and cutting-edge skills... The program, designed by experts in the business, reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately contributing to the growth of India.”

Canon India’s Apprenticeship Training Program, targeting both engineering graduates and diploma holders, now features a comprehensive, year-long curriculum. The program unfolds in three structured phases: beginning with an induction phase that emphasizes elementary learnings such as soft skills and system skills; progressing to on-the-job training that combines product skills with service practices; and culminating in advanced training focused on product maintenance through final assessments.

Over the course of one year, trainees will gain knowledge and experience in key areas such as Kaizen, 5S, product principles, customer service techniques, and communication skills. The exhaustive curriculum includes training on customer service processes, Canon’s products, Japanese philosophies, computer/IT skills covering network basics and software applications, and technical skills for troubleshooting entry and mid-level products. This extensive training involves 4 weeks of online learning, 4 weeks of classroom instruction, and 40 weeks of on-the-job training. Upon completing the program, Canon will maintain a talent pool for potential internal hiring and provide opportunities for apprentices to join service partners across India, ensuring robust career prospects.

The program will involve graduates and diploma holders from the past three years, including the current year. Eligible candidates will include students from Engineering Diploma/Degree pass outs (Electrical/Electronics).

Following its motto of ‘Delighting you always,’ Canon India’s Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) was established to maintain industry-leading customer satisfaction... The Centre is used for primarily increasing the technical skills and product skills of both Canon India (CIPL) personnel as well as the brand’s partner personnel.