Press Release

UAW/GM Announce Recognition for School-to-Work Program

10/04/96

UAW/General Motors School-to-Work Initiative Receives National
Recognition

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The United Auto Workers and General
Motors today received national recognition for outstanding
achievement in its Flint, Mich. Metal Fabricating Plant's
school-to-work initiative. The Manufacturing Technology Partnership
(MTP) model program was honored by a coalition known as the Promising
and Effective Practices Network at award ceremonies at the
U.S. Department of Labor.

The group combines efforts of the U. S. Department of Labor, the
National Youth Employment Coalition and several private organizations
to recognize best practices in the field of youth employment and
training.  Timothy Barnicle, assistant secretary of labor for
employment and training, and Erik Payne Butler, chair of the National
Youth Employment Coalition, led recognition activities.

"We are implementing significant changes in the stamping business,"
said Joe Spielman, vice president and general manager of GM Metal
Fabricating Division. "Establishing and maintaining a specific,
well-defined production system requires the support of a highly
skilled workforce. If we are to remain competitive, we must recruit
and retain people who know how to properly integrate technology with
our people systems. MTP helps us develop the necessary human resources
that are required for us to become the best metal stampers in the
world."

Jointly organized in 1992 in Flint, Mich., by UAW Local 659, GM's
Flint Metal Center, and a team of local educators, MTP prepares high
school students for careers in skilled trades. Selected students begin
the program in their junior year of high school. They attend their
home schools for traditional classes in the morning. In the afternoon,
they spend two hours at the GASC (Genesee Area Skill Center)
Technology Center for hands-on technical training. The last two hours
of each day, students link with a GM skilled trades mentor to work on
self-discipline, critical thinking skills, goal setting techniques,
technical projects, and various other characteristics necessary for a
highly skilled job in industry.

The program is structured to provide students with the necessary
skills to pass the UAW/GM apprenticeship test upon completion. The
test focuses on reading comprehension, graphic arithmetic, spatial
relations, arithmetic reasoning, and mechanical concepts. Successful
completion of the MTP program guarantees students a two-year
scholarship at Baker College in Flint.

Since MTP began, 71 students have completed the program. "Our success
rate is tremendous," said Bob Morrish, UAW joint activities
representative at the Flint facility. "Studies show that our students
excel in math, science and vocational studies, and 96% have passed the
UAW/GM apprenticeship test. Every MTP graduate has started
post-secondary education."

The GM Metal Fabricating Division employs 34,000 people and consists
of 13 facilities. The division is responsible for the stamping of all
major and minor sheet metal parts for GM cars and trucks.