The Fact Maker

FADA Academy and ASDC Inaugurate Their First Joint Training Centre at Agra to Build a Job-Ready Automotive Retail Workforce

Mumbai / Agra : In a landmark initiative for automotive retail skill development in India, FADA Academy, in collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), inaugurated its First joint training centre – Autograd Regional Skill Development Centre, Agra under the aegis of FADA Academy and ASDC, at Agra on 11 October 2026. The training centre is located within the dealership premises of Ashok Auto Sales and Manoram Bajaj Group, marking a significant step towards bringing industry-aligned training directly into the automotive dealership ecosystem.

The inauguration took place in the august presence of Hon’ble Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Mr C S Vigneshwar, Chairman – FADA Academy & Research, Mr. Prasanna Pahade, CEO – ASDC, Mr. Sandeep Narain, Chairperson – FADA Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Ricardo Lima, Former General Secretary – ALADDA Brazil, Dr. Ranjana Bansal, Chairperson – Ashok Auto Group; and Mr. R. M. Kapoor, Managing Director – Manoram Bajaj Group, Mr. Dharmendra Sharma, Dean – FADA Academy along with representatives from dealerships, automotive industry and institutes from Agra region.

Names L to R: Mr. Suresh Kaushal, Director – Autograd Academy, Mr. R. M. Kapoor, MD – Manoram Bajaj Group, Mr. Prasanna Pahade, CEO – ASDC, Hon’ble Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Dr. Ranjana Bansal, Chairperson – Ashok Auto Group, Mr. Sandeep Narain, Chairperson – FADA Uttar Pradesh

Names L to R: Mr. D. S. Bhatia, Director – Autograd Academy, Mr. C. S. Vigneshwar, Chairman – FADA Academy & Research, Mr. Prasanna Pahade, CEO – ASDC, Mr. Ricardo Lima, Former General Secretary – ALADDA Brazil, Mr. O. P. Jangda, Director – Autograd Academy, Mr. Sandeep Narain, Chairperson – FADA Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Dharmendra Sharma, Dean – FADA Academy, Dr. Ranjana Bansal, Chairperson – Ashok Auto Group, Mr. R. M. Kapoor, MD – Manoram Bajaj Group, Mr. Suresh Kaushal, Director – Autograd Academy

This first-of-its-kind, in-house dealership training centre has been established with the objective of bridging the gap between training and employability by preparing candidates for the actual demands of automotive dealership operations. The initiative seeks to equip aspiring professionals with relevant job skills, practical knowledge, workplace confidence and the capabilities required to perform effectively, adapt to technological change and pursue sustained career growth.

The FADA Academy and ASDC Training Centre at Agra represents a collaborative effort to bring industry, skill development and employment closer together. By creating a practical pathway from training to workplace readiness, the initiative aspires to strengthen dealership talent, support local employment and contribute to the long-term development of India’s automotive retail ecosystem.

The inaugural batch comprises candidates being trained for the Service Advisor job role, with participation from dealerships representing multiple automotive brands, including Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha and Tata Motors, among others.

Senior representatives from FADA, ASDC, the international automotive dealer fraternity from Brazil and other dignitaries inspired the trainees to embrace continuous learning, practical skill development and technological adaptability as essential to staying job-ready, employable and relevant in the rapidly transforming automotive industry.

****