Canon’s newly enhanced Apprenticeship Training Program with JIM offers 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.
In a significant step towards advancing skill development and empowering the youth, Canon India has enhanced its Apprenticeship Training Program in collaboration with the 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 JIM 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 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.
Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President & CEO, Canon India, stated, “The Apprenticeship Training Program aims to equip young engineers with the latest technical expertise while also instilling in them the values of innovation and excellence. Through our partnership with the Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing, we are striving to nurture future experts who will drive progress in the service and manufacturing sectors. 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.”
Ms. Shikha Rai, Senior Vice President of HR & IT, Canon India, added, “The Apprenticeship Program at Canon India is being further strengthened under the JIM initiative. For the young technical workforce joining us under the program; we ensure that they develop into confident and competent professionals with a good foundation of organizational culture, product knowledge, customer handling skills and hands-on servicing skills. The Apprenticeship Program not only makes them job-ready but also aims towards their holistic development by instilling Canon’s corporate values like the San-ji Spirit of ‘Three Self’s’—self-motivation, self-management, and self-awareness and Japanese business practices like punctuality, Kaizen, Horenso, 5S, PDCA etc. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing talent and creating future leaders.”
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). 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. 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.
