Background
Automotive manufacturers and their suppliers are in need of engineering and technical talent to support hybrid, electric, and other advanced vehicle technologies. A 2012 survey of manufacturers by the Workforce Intelligence Network of Southeast Michigan indicated 73% of respondents were hiring engineers and 37% were hiring technicians. There are approximately 1,400 projected openings for mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineers and technicians annually. The existing workforce within automotive manufacturers and their suppliers also require updated skills to effectively operate within the emerging electrified vehicle environment.
To ensure the automotive industry has the trained workers they need, the Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan collaborated with automotive manufacturing employers, educational institutions, and the workforce system to establish the Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance (MAGMA). This partnership makes it possible to rapidly address industry's skill needs, providing targeted, innovative, and flexible learning solutions.
Mission
Provide rapid skill growth in green technology solutions for advanced mobility to meet industry needs.
Objectives
- Prepare individuals for emerging technologies in vehicle propulsion and vehicle component design, manufacturing, and maintenance through rapid/accelerated training and re-training.
- Target the training to displaced and incumbent engineers, engineering students, displaced and incumbent technicians, and technician program students.
- When possible, seek and provide funding to help employers or individuals access training.
Expected Impacts of MAGMA Activities
- Michigan is a world leader in green mobility and advanced propulsion technology education and training.
- MAGMA endorsed training provides existing employees and job seekers with the skills and knowledge needed by the green mobility industry.
- Education and training providers collaborate more with each other and industry stakeholders.
- Industry and educators recognize and value MAGMA endorsement of education and training curriculum, programs, materials, and credentials.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAGMA, AVAILABLE TRAINING FUNDS, AND APPROVED TRAINING PROGRAMS
Education and Training Providers:
Education and training providers for the Academy for Green Mobility are selected through competitively based requests for proposals (RFPs).
The following MAGMA-approved University graduate credit courses or certificate programs are available:
The following MAGMA-approved non-credit Professional Development courses are also available from:
- Wayne State University, http://www.eng.wayne.edu: Fundamentals of Electric Drive Vehicles, Battery Systems, Motor Drives and Power Electronics for HEV/PHEV/BEV Applications, Automotive Direct Injection Engines
- SAE International, http://www.sae.org/training: Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Systems, Safe Handling of High Voltage Battery Systems, Selective Catalytic Reduction for Diesel Engines, Gasoline Direct Injection Engines, Hybrid Vehicle Systems Integration, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Engineering Academy
- A & D Technology, http://www.aanddtech.com: Advanced Energy Storage Fundamentals of Battery Systems
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology Center, http://www.hevtc.org: Hybrid Electric Vehicles Systems
Further information including class dates and times is provided in the MAGMA Incumbent Worker Grant Green Mobility Course listing. You may also contact the respective training provider via the links provided above.
If your university is interested in reviewing MAGMA's open RFPs or submitting a proposal to have a program reviewed and approved, contact Mr. Matt Shields, Energy Market Talent Manager, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan at shieldsm1@michigan.gov.
Funding for Training - Unemployed, Dislocated, or Displaced Workers
If you are unemployed, State Energy Sector Partnership Grant funds are available for educational programs including Wayne State University's 3-course Graduate Certificate in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, WSU's 4 course Undergraduate Certificate in Advanced Energy Storage, and Macomb Community College's 2-course Certificate in Advanced Energy Storage. To learn more, visit SESP Program Overview for Dislocated Workers. To determine if you are eligible to have your training fully funded by this grant, please contact David Shevrin at 1-248-788-9511 or davidshevrin@yahoo.com or Kris Betts at 1-586-263-8388 or kbetts@macomb-stclairworks.org.
Funding for Training - Employed or Incumbent Workers
If you are currently employed in the advanced battery or automotive industry, grant funding is also available for incumbent workers through the SESP grant SESP Grant Overview for Incumbent Workers. For information on eligibility and how your company can apply for funding, contact David Shevrin at 1-248-788-9511 or davidshevrin@yahoo.com, or Kris Betts at 1-586-263-8388 or kbetts@macomb-stclairworks.org.
Success Stories
A growing number of courses have been approved by MAGMA, based on employer-defined skill gaps and skills considered most valuable for green mobility jobs. Since the program began in 2009, MAGMA-approved courses have generated 800 enrollments from incumbent workers. Another 39 dislocated workers have also been served through the program.
More recently, MAGMA's efforts to enhance training in green technology to meet industry needs was cited by Michigan's U.S. Senator Carl Levin as one of the key components of more than $2 million in funding provided to get Michigan workers ready for exciting new opportunities in alternative energy. See full story.
Partnerships:
Partnerships are critical to make the most efficient use of established curriculums, facilities, laboratories, and equipment to provide the automotive industry with the talent necessary to succeed. MAGMA partners include:
If you are interested in becoming a partner of MAGMA or would like additional information, please contact Mr. Matt Shields, Energy Market Talent Manager, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan at shieldsm1@michigan.gov.
Other Green Mobility Training through SAE Professional Development
