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Chrysler Offers Education Internships to Michigan Teachers

11 August 1998

Chrysler Offers Education Internships to Area Teachers

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 11 -- Internships are usually for
college students.  Chrysler Corporation is adding a small twist to
that idea by offering internships to teachers in a two-week Summer Educator
Intern Program.
    The Internship Program, a first for Chrysler, will include two teachers
from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties.  Classes for the participants will be
held from August 10-21 at various Chrysler locations including the
Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.
    "We want to introduce educators to the kinds of jobs and career paths that
will be available to the graduates in the 21st century," said W. Frank
Fountain, Vice President-Government Affairs.  "We hope this program will help
teachers gain a better understanding of future jobs in Corporate America and
how to better prepare students to compete for those jobs."
    During the two week Intern Program, teachers will receive classroom and
"on-the-job" training that focuses on careers and job skills needed in the
workforce.
    The "on-the-job" training will consist of the educators rotating through
three plant environments, the scientific and engineering labs and the Chrysler
design office.  Teachers will also experience hands-on activities at the
Chelsea Proving Grounds where vehicle testing is performed.
    "We want to emphasize to teachers that all types of skills and education
are needed in the automotive industry, and we're not just talking about four-
year degrees," said Kathy Oswald, Vice President-Human Resources.
"Traditional career paths are important and continue to be a focus, but we
also need electricians, machine repairman and auto technicians to effectively
run our business."
    In addition to job-specific skills, "soft skills" such as teamwork,
communication and leadership will also be included in the training.
    "In order for students to know what it takes to be successful and start a
career in industry, teachers need access and exposure to corporate
environments and specific manpower requirements.  The Internship Program will
provide the exposure they need to help students make more informed choices as
they plan toward a particular career," said Oswald.
    The schools involved in the Internship Program are Oakland Technical
Center Northwest, Clarkston, Mich., Fitzgerald High School, Clinton Township,
Mich., and Breithaupt Technical Center, Detroit.