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Chrysler Corp Promotes Manufacturing Careers for the 21st Century

9 October 1998

Chrysler Corporation Promotes Manufacturing Careers for the 21st Century

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 8 -- What exactly is a
manufacturing technician?  Thirty-four students in Oakland County will begin
exploring that answer as the Walter P. Chrysler Manufacturing Technology
Academy opens the doors to its first class at the Oakland Community College
(OCC) campus in Auburn Hills.
    This is the pilot year for this first-of-its-kind program for Chrysler
Corporation which is designed to promote manufacturing careers and
better prepare students for the 21st century workforce.  Chrysler Corporation,
Oakland Schools, and OCC have partnered to develop the new curriculum.
    "The academy, named after the founder of Chrysler Corporation, will strive
to live up to the high standards set by Walter P. Chrysler in forming an
innovative and lasting company," said Frank Fountain, Vice President
Government Affairs at Chrysler Corporation.  "We recognize there is a critical
shortage of technical applicants and we are committed to investing in
students' careers and the future of manufacturing jobs," he said.
    The four year program will be offered to students in their junior year of
high school, and continue on for two additional years at OCC.  Students are
selected for the program through an application process which is designed and
implemented by Oakland Schools.  One third of the students selected to
participate are from the Northeast Oakland Technical Center and two-thirds are
from the Northwest Oakland Technical Center.  Students will spend a half day
at their home school and the other half at the Walter P. Chrysler
Manufacturing Technology Academy.  Upon completion of the program, students
earn an Associates Degree in Manufacturing Technology.
    The program was developed by the Southeast Michigan Alliance for Advanced
Manufacturing (SEMAAM), a steering committee comprised of Chrysler
Corporation, Oakland Schools, OCC and other Oakland County businesses.
Chrysler is providing the majority of the funding for the program, with
assistance from state and federal funds.
    "This cooperative effort reflects a partnership that will help frame a
better future for our children and our community," said James Redmond,
Superintendent of Oakland County Schools.
    The program elements are based on the Secretary's Commission on Acquiring
New Skills (SCANS) and national skills standards.  The standards of the
technical curriculum are also raised by integrating math, English, and physics
classes into a problem solving learning approach.  Additionally, academy
students will gain valuable experience through internships with Oakland County
businesses.
    "Chrysler is committed to educational opportunities that develop youth
with skills that will help ensure career success as we move toward the new
millennium," added Fountain.  "We believe there is a definite relationship
between support of educational development and a well-skilled, ready
workforce," he said.