The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth is partnering with the two universities to offer MAGM's first round of training that prepares automotive engineers for renewable energy jobs. The courses will be offered in the southeastern Michigan area.
"These courses are a terrific opportunity for engineers to learn about cutting edge hybrid and battery technology as part of the Green Jobs Initiative," said Granholm in a press release.
DELEG oversees the Michigan Green Jobs Initiative, which is designed to ensure the emerging industries and green economy have the trained workers they need. In response to the rapid growth in the renewable energy sector, DELEG collaborated with automotive manufacturing employers to establish the MAGM. This initial course offering is aimed at incumbent auto engineers, however unemployed workers who meet the pre-requisites may also be eligible.
MAGM is administered by a governing board made up of employers, education and training providers, the workforce development system, and state government. The academy's objective is to prepare individuals for emerging technologies in vehicle propulsion, component design, manufacturing and maintenance.
Workforce Investment for Emerging Industries
The Academy is offered under the Governor's No Worker Left Behind program, a plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations and emerging industries. NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants. As of June 30 more than 81,667 people have been put into NWLB training.
About the courses:
Advanced Propulsion for Hybrid Vehicles with Concentration in Battery Engineering. Sponsored by Michigan Technological University. A three-credit class offered in cooperation with the Engineering Society of Detroit and AVL, a developer of powertrains and vehicle simulation and test systems. The curriculum will focus on engineering skills that apply to next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles, with an emphasis on battery design and hands-on learning. Preference will be given to applications received by Aug. 19. The semester-long class begins Sept. 3. The course will be offered again in the spring semester. For more information, visit the training Web site or call 248-353-0735.
Advanced Battery Systems for Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Sponsored by Wayne State University. A four-credit graduate course level class team-taught by WSU engineering faculty, HEV engineers from Delphi and GM and battery scientists from Ovonic Battery. Bachelor of Science in Engineering or similar physical sciences area is required. Curriculum focuses in-vehicle electric energy storage systems, Battery system development and design for hybrid electric vehicles. Macomb Community College is also providing five HEVs for lab experiments.The class will begin meeting Sept.. The course will be also be offered for spring semester. For more information about this course, visit the Web site for the WSU College of Engineering or call CP Yeh, chair, Division of Engineering Technology, Wayne State University, at 313-577-0800.


