VinFast Recruits 200 Polytechnic Students Trained Under Naan Mudhalvan Scheme

VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has recruited 200 polytechnic students in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, trained under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme. The recruitment is part of the company's initiative to create jobs for local talent. VinFast plans to make two electric SUV models, VF7 and VF6, with a planned annual production capacity of 1,50,000 vehicles. The project is expected to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years.

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has taken a significant step in its expansion plans by recruiting 200 polytechnic students in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The recruitment drive is part of the company's broader initiative to create job opportunities for local talent. Trained under the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme, these students will contribute to VinFast's mission of establishing a robust manufacturing ecosystem in the region [1].

VinFast's Thoothukudi plant, spread across 408 acres in the SIPCOT Industrial Complex, is a key component of its Asia growth strategy. The plant is being developed at an outlay of ₹16,000 crore and is expected to produce two premium electric SUV models, VF7 and VF6, with a planned annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. This project is anticipated to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years [1].

The recruitment process involved specific eligibility criteria, requiring candidates to be current or recent graduates with no arrears. A total of 344 students from nine polytechnic colleges were trained, with sessions comprising lectures, group discussions, and mock tests. The training was conducted from March 17 to April 8, 2025 [1].

Of the 344 trained students, 304 appeared for the recruitment, and around 229 were short-listed. Based on other criteria, 200 individuals were recruited for the company. The selected candidates include 105 students from government polytechnic colleges and 95 from private colleges, covering disciplines such as Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Automobile, and Logistics Engineering [1].

VinFast's workforce strategy follows a hybrid model of 80:20, with 80% of the workforce comprising freshers or trainees from local communities and the remaining 20% including experienced professionals from leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This approach aligns with the Naan Mudhalvan scheme, designed to support agile recruitment and focused skill development tailored to industry needs [2].

The company is set to begin production at its $2 billion Tamil Nadu plant by the end of July 2025 and plans to start vehicle deliveries from the festive season, with a focus on exports and an expanding service network. VinFast aims to establish 35 dealerships across India by the end of 2025 [2].

In addition to its manufacturing and recruitment efforts, VinFast has partnered with RoadGrid to establish 120 extended service workshops throughout India. This collaboration will provide after-sales service and charging infrastructure support for the VinFast VF7 and VF6 models, which are slated to arrive at customer homes by September 2025 [4].

VinFast's strategic partnerships and investment in local talent underscore its commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive manufacturing ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. As the company continues to expand its operations in India, it is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy and the EV market.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/vinfast-recruits-200-polytechnic-students-trained-under-naan-mudhalvan-skill-development-drive/article69807557.ece
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/vinfast-to-start-production-at-tn-plant-125071300420_1.html
[4] https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/news/vinfast-partners-roadgrid-for-after-sales-service-and-charging-infrastructure-support-41751962574336.html