Driving skills and inclusion at Sandvik Coromant’s Pune Centre

By Staff Report September 16, 2025 5:21 pm IST

The manufacturing sector is one of India’s major economic drivers, contributing nearly 17% to the country’s GDP and employing more than 68 million people. With initiatives like Make in India placing the country on the global stage, the sector boasts huge potential. However, it still faces two significant challenges: a widening skills shortage and a persistent gender imbalance. Sandvik Coromant India explores how targeted skills development can bridge these gaps and contribute to long-term growth.

Access to industry-aligned technical education remains uneven across India, a challenge that’s highlighted in the most recent Economic Survey from the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance. The report presents a clear opportunity for India, revealing that “with around 26% of the population in the age group 10-24 years, India stands at the cusp of a once-in-a-lifetime demographic opportunity”. As one of the world’s youngest nations, the country’s economic success depends on integrating its growing workforce into productive and meaningful roles.

However, the report also reveals that 65.3% haven’t received any form of vocational training. The report also highlights that over 53% of graduates and 36% of postgraduates are underemployed in roles below their educational qualifications.

Bridging the skills gap through practical training

To address these challenges, Sandvik Coromant has taken a proactive step to close the skills gap through practical training.

Located within the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Aundh, Pune, the Centre of Manufacturing Excellence was founded in 2018 in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, Skill Sonics and the implementation partner Pramith Foundation. The initiative delivers specialised training in advanced manufacturing technology, focusing on metal cutting, CNC machining and other vital skills tailored to modern industry needs.

The Centre’s curriculum blends 30% theory with 70% hands-on training, ensuring students develop practical, workplace-ready competencies. They receive six hours of weekly instruction on state-of-the-art equipment from brands such as Yamazaki Mazak and DMG Mori. Core subjects include metrology, technical drawing, programming and workshop calculations.

Students must demonstrate their skills by producing components independently during certification assessments, a requirement that underlines the program’s emphasis on real-world readiness. Since its launch, the Centre has certified 1,641 students, with 1,161 securing placements in manufacturing firms across India. In addition, a girls-only Industry Fundamentals course was introduced in 2024, providing 56 hours of focused training. The program has already seen 129 young women complete the first batch, strengthening gender representation in technical trades.

Championing inclusion and diversity

In addition to encouraging vocational skills among young people, tackling historical gender stereotypes is another important topic when supporting India’s skills landscape. This is another area where Sandvik Coromant is actively working to change outdated perceptions about manufacturing and promote greater gender diversity.

Historically, shop floors in India were considered unsuitable for women due to safety concerns and legal restrictions that limited women to daytime shifts. However, this is beginning to change. Today, the Sandvik Coromant Pune facility is a modern, automated plant that uses advanced technologies such as robotics, sensors and predictive analytics. This creates a safer, cleaner and quieter working environment that supports inclusive participation.

To support its female workforce, Sandvik Coromant ensures that at least ten women are employed on the shop floor at any given time. The company also provides safe transportation with GPS-tracked buses and security personnel, along with an onsite daycare centre that has been in place since 2010. These measures help female employees feel supported and secure, making manufacturing a more viable and attractive career path.

From training to transformation

The Centre of Excellence’s success is visible not only in numbers but also in its role as a career trigger. Industry visits, interview preparation workshops and campus recruitment drives help students transition smoothly into professional roles. The latest convocation, for the 7th batch, was held on 19th August 2025, where 205 students received their certificates.”

In India, as per the Companies Act, 2013, eligible corporations dedicate 2% of their net profits to CSR activities: a responsibility Sandvik Coromant India embraces fully. By investing in skill development and inclusive education, the Centre exemplifies how CSR can generate meaningful social impact while increasing the manufacturing talent offer.

“The success of the Centre is a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and academia,” said P. Surendrakumar, Managing Director for Sandvik Coromant India. “By working together, we can create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who are ready to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, ensuring a prosperous future for all.”

As Sandvik Coromant continues to evolve this initiative, the company remains dedicated to empowering individuals and communities, transforming lives, and building a more diverse and skilled workforce. The vision is clear: manufacturing is no longer a sector marked by exclusion and outdated stereotypes, but one of opportunity, innovation and inclusivity.