The dynamics of the automotive industry are constantly shifting – with new and changing needs for technologies, tooling, vehicle capabilities, and perhaps most critically, for people able to design, make, and fix the vehicles of tomorrow. As a result, Michigan’s automotive companies are under intense pressure to find, develop, and keep the talent necessary to stay ahead. 

The successful future of the industry will take a coordinated effort – between training institutions, suppliers, and OEMs. Automotive companies facing a potential shortage of talent, or those wanting to invest in the development of Michigan talent, should consider working with local schools and training centers at all levels to encourage interest in and development of STEM programs. These partnership efforts could include co-ops, internship programs, special events, scholarships, sponsorship opportunities, and community outreach initiatives, such as offering plant tours.

This talent resource guide, compiled by GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center, is intended to assist local Michigan automotive suppliers and manufacturers in identifying potential areas of talent development and acquisition in order to meet current and future talent needs. 

Below you will find:

• Industry & Talent Events
• K-12 STEM & Automotive Programs

• College & Universities (Certificates & Two–Year Degrees, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs)
• Additional Specialized Programs

NOTE: While efforts have been taken to compile information on a wide range of suitable talent sources and initiatives, there are likely to be programs, schools, and events that are not included in this guide.

If you know of something we missed which should be included in the next edition of Finding Michigan’s Automotive Talent Resource Guide, please send any information to: [email protected] or call 616.331.6811

AIS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY, TECHNICIAL & TOPCON GRADE CONTROL OPERATOR TRAININGS

The AIS Technical Institute partners with high schools and career centers around the state of Michigan to provide hands-on heavy equipment operation and repair training. Students can be in the program for one, two and in some cases, three years.

www.aistraining.com/high-school | Steve Higgins - [email protected] | 517.321.8000 | (Statewide) MI

BREITHAUPT CAREER & TECHNICAL CENTER

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE, COLLISION REPAIR & MECHATRONICS

A dual enrollment program with Henry Ford College, Breithaupt Career and Technical Center is a technical center high school that prepares students for the world of work.

http://detroitk12.org/schools/breithauptctc | Felicia Hatten-Moore - [email protected] | 313.866.9550 | Detroit, MI

CAREERLINE TECH CENTER               

AUTO TECH COLLEGE - HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM (1 or 2 YEARS)

Through classroom and lab experiences, students put classroom knowledge to work by working on actual vehicles. Students have the opportunity to earn State of Michigan certifications.

www.oaisd.org/ctc/programs/programsbycareerpathways/transportation/automotive-technology | Jim Spoelhof & Jon Walcott | 616.738.8950 | Holland, MI

CLINTON COUNTY REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY      

AUTOMOTIVE TECH & REPAIR - HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM (1 or 2 YEARS)

A course designed to provide an opportunity for students to learn the entry-level skills needed for entering many automotive industry careers. The program also provides students with the opportunity to earn community college credits.

http://ccresa.org/Files/Uploads/127/Automotive_Technology__Repair.pdf | 989.224.6831 | St. Johns, MI

DISCOVER MANUFACTURING     

MANUFACTURING & STEM RELATED WORKSHOPS, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

There is a wide variety of innovative tools and experiences in West Michigan that can provide students with an opportunity to study and be inspired by science, technology, engineering & math. These experiences can help students prepare for education and training for a career in manufacturing.

https://www.discover-manufacturing.com/ | 616.494.8844 | Grand Rapids, MI

FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and Tech)      

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

www.firstinmichigan.org | 248.424.4148 | Gail Alpert - [email protected] 

KENT CAREER TECH CENTER     

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY - ONE OR TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATES & HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

A nationally-certified program for students to specialize in four potential career tracks using the latest techniques and technology in automotive systems.

www.thetechcenter.org | | 616.364.8421 | Grand Rapids, MI

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camp sessions are geared toward young students entering grades 8-12 with an interest in computers, robotics, and engineering.

www.lssu.edu | [email protected] | 906.635.2207 | Sault Sainte Marie, MI

PRIMERA PLASTICS

PATHWAYS PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Allows sophomore-level students to join the company and receive mentoring both on the shop floor and in soft skills such as communication, personal presentation, punctuality, self-esteem, and more. Students also participate in financial intelligence classes.

www.primera-inc.com | 616.748.6248 | Zeeland, MI

SQUARE ONE EDUCATION NETWORK      

V2X MASTERS OF MOBILITY WORKSHOP

“Masters of Mobility” is a series of two 2-Day Workshops designed to expose teachers and students to the Connected & Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Technology that is fundamental to today’s Mobility Industry. 

www.squareonenetwork.org/professional-development | 517.945.1072 | Southfield, MI

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

SUMMER STEM CAMPS

The School of Engineering and Computer Science hosts outreach programs for high schools, junior highs, middle, and elementary schools to introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) resources.

www.oakland.edu/secs/outreach-programs | [email protected] | 248.370.2489 | Rochester, MI

ALLEGAN COUNTY AREA TECHNICAL & EDUCATION CENTER

TECH CENTER PROGRAMS - DIRECT COLLEGE CREDIT & MI OR ASE CERTIFICATION

The Technical Education Center offers 14 technical training programs as well as vocational training opportunities for students with special needs. Our instructors are vocationally certified in the fields they teach and many serve as adjunct instructors for Lake Michigan College. This provides our students with an opportunity to earn direct college credit while studying with us.

www.alleganaesa.org | Rich Okoniewski - [email protected] | 269.673.3121 | Allegan, MI

BAKER COLLEGE        

AUTO DIESEL INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

The Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan (ADI) was conceived and built to elevate technical training to a college experience above and beyond anything previously available in the Midwest. The facility boasts classrooms as well as 43,000 square feet of real-world auto and diesel labs.

www.baker.edu | 800.964.4299 | Flint, MI

DELTA COLLEGE         

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

In addition to being trained to enter the automotive field as a technician or service writer, students will have the option to complete an associate’s degree for a broader-based education.

www.delta.edu | Jim Miller - [email protected] | 989.686.9258 | University Center, MI

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE            

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY - ASSOCIATE DEGREE

The mission of the Automotive Technology Program is to prepare students for entry-level positions and for advancement in the automotive service industry. Students receive training in all areas of automotive service, through both classroom learning and extensive hands-on training. Course      offerings also provide members of the community with opportunities for personal enrichment.  

www.grcc.edu/automotive | [email protected] | 616.234.3827 | Grand Rapids, MI

HENRY FORD COLLEGE             

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Henry Ford College’s Automotive Technology program prepares students for careers as automotive technicians, automotive master mechanics, and engine specialists with a range of certificate and associate degree options.

www.hfcc.edu | Kristopher Young - [email protected] | 313.845.6324 | Dearborn, MI

KALAMAZOO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INDUSTRIAL TRADES - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Careers in this pathway are related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain physical systems such as buildings, structures, machines, and equipment. These include engineering, manufacturing, construction, and related technologies.

www.kvcc.edu/programs/industrial_trades | 269.488.4400 | Kalamazoo, MI

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE        

AUTOMOTIVE & ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

This area of study offers a variety of certificate and associate degree programs designed to provide students with the latest in practical, hands-on coursework based on current industry standards. 

www.lcc.edu | Rex Peckens - [email protected] | 517.483.5338 | Lansing, MI

MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE         

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY - CERTIFICATES & ASSOCIATE DEGREES

By earning an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology from Macomb, students will be qualified for positions including automotive service technicians, mechanics, and automotive engineering technicians. Or, students can earn a certificate in one of five specialty areas or with a Skill Specific Certificate in Alternative Fuels.

www.macomb.edu/ | Dan Claus - 586.445.7010 | Warren, MI

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

MOBILITY - CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is the first of its kind in Michigan, focusing on mechanisms known as mobility, which is the ability to meet the needs of society to move freely, gain access, communicate, commute, and establish connectivity with advanced mobility technologies today or in the future.

https://engineering.wayne.edu/ | 313.577.3186 | Detroit, MI

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

The engineering programs in chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering combine classroom studies, in-the-field experience, research, and internships with top-notch companies to prepare you to be the best engineer possible.

www.andrews.edu/cas/ecs/programs/engineering.html | Nestor Caceres - [email protected] | 269.471.3415 | Berrien Springs, MI

CALVIN UNIVERSITY

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Calvin University offers an ABET-accredited Science in Engineering degree with concentrations in chemical, civil & environmental, electrical & computer, and mechanical engineering. International and Sustainability designations are also offered. Students are able to bring their own engineering design projects from conception to implementation and work in technically complex environments.

www.calvin.edu/academics/departments-programs/engineering | Michelle Krul - [email protected]  | 616.526.2542 | Grand Rapids, MI

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

CMU's nationally accredited computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, industrial technology, and mechanical technology engineering programs prepare students for a variety of careers.

www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-science-engineering | Terence Lerch - [email protected] | 989.774.7478 | Mount Pleasant, MI

COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES             

TRANSPORTATION DESIGN - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

The CCS Transportation Design program educates the designers who are leading the autonomous and mobility-forward design charge and whose influences in the transportation industry are unmatched anywhere. CCS alumni work for every major car design studio & nearly all Tier One auto suppliers.

www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu | Paul Snyder - [email protected] | 313.664.7400 | Detroit, MI

THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY                

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & SCIENCE - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering & Science ranks among the best undergraduate engineering and science programs in the nation. The program offers the 3rd oldest co-op education program in the country. Accredited programs include architectural, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Robotics and mechatronic systems engineering and computer science are also offered.

www.eng-sci.udmercy.edu | Rick Acevedo - [email protected]   | 313.578.0386 | Detroit, MI

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY        

SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT - ASSOCIATE & UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Ferris State University's School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment is a leader in transportation education for more than 50 years. The School offers five majors – three Bachelor of Science and two Associate in Applied Science degrees – that lead to transportation careers for today and tomorrow.

www.ferris.edu/CET/auto-heet/homepage.htm | [email protected] | 231.591.2655 | Big Rapids, MI

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY     

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Students are prepared for engineering careers and leadership roles by way of degree programs that integrate academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional co-op experiences in engineering companies. All undergraduate programs are ABET accredited.

www.gvsu.edu/engineering | [email protected] | 616.331.6750 | Grand Rapids, MI

HOPE COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Offers degree programs in biochemical, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering.

www.hope.edu/academics/engineering | Cathy Stoel - [email protected] | 616.395.7510 | Holland, MI

KETTERING UNIVERSITY                 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Programs include chemical, electrical, computer, industrial, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering, and focus on a variety of subject areas including alternative energy, AI, automotive design, bioengineering, machine design, and robotics.

www.kettering.edu/academics/college-engineering | Bassem Ramadan - [email protected] | 810.762.7992 | Flint, MI

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE OF INNOVATION AND SOLUTIONS

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Offers degree programs in computer, electrical, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics.

www.lssu.edu/college-innovation-solutions | Rebecca Kilponen - [email protected] | 906.635.2207 | Sault Sainte Marie, MI

LAWRENCE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY     

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - CERTIFICATES, UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

The College of Engineering has been creating future leaders in engineering, science, and technology for over 80 years. Five programs are offered: biomedical, civil and architectural, electrical and computer, technology, and mechanical, robotics, and industrial engineering.

www.ltu.edu/engineering | Tamara Botzen - [email protected] | 248.204.2500 | Southfield, MI

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY       

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Prepares students to solve technical, as well as social, economic, and global problems while instilling the essence of engineering as the iterative process of designing, predicting performance, building, and testing. The Career Center develops and implements a full set of services to ensure MSU engineering students maximize early opportunities in the workplace and obtain competitive placements upon graduation.

www.egr.msu.edu | Garth Motschenbacher - [email protected] | 517.355.5163 | East Lansing, MI

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY– COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING            

CONNECTED AUTONOMOUS NETWORKED VEHICLES FOR ACTIVE SAFETY (CANVAS) PROJECT

Sensing, networking, and mobility research are drawn together in CANVAS, blending active safety, security and privacy, and mobile/transportation services for connected and autonomous vehicles.

www.canvas.msu.edu | Hayder Radha - [email protected] | 517.432.9958 | East Lansing, MI

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Offers degree programs in applied geophysics, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, construction, electrical, environmental, geological, geospatial, materials science, mechanical, mining, and robotics engineering. Michigan Tech engineering students are actively involved in hands-on learning opportunities, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and companies have several opportunities to increase visibility, gain exclusive access to the next generation of employees, and support professional development education efforts.

www.mtu.edu/engineering | Sharon Attaway - [email protected] | 906.487.3275 | Houghton, MI

NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY                 

AUTOMOTIVE MARKETING & MANAGEMENT - UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

This degree program aims to equip students with the skills needed for careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.

www.northwood.edu | Debbie Halbower - [email protected] | 616.633.6818 | Multiple locations in MI

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Offers instruction leading to degrees at undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels with programs offered through four departments: Computer     Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

www.oakland.edu/secs | Brooks Byam - [email protected] | 989.964.4489 | Rochester, MI

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Undergraduate programs in computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and a graduate program in computer science and information systems. SVSU participates annually in the SAE Formula Racing Competition. 

www.svsu.edu/collegeofscienceengineeringtechnology/ | Brooks Byam - [email protected] | 989.964.4489 | University Center, MI

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN                 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

Michigan Engineering’s graduate and undergraduate programs rank 5th and 6th in the nation, respectively. The Master of Engineering in Automotive  Engineering is an advanced professional degree program that is designed specifically for today's modern engineering world. The Engineering Career  Resource Center aims to match employers with highly qualified candidates in all engineering disciplines. 

www.engin.umich.edu/ | Kerri Boivin - [email protected] | 734.647.7160 | Ann Arbor, MI

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE PURCHASING SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

The program helps provide community college, undergraduate, graduate, and adult continuing education curricula with real-world lecture material, automotive case studies, best practices, knowledge assessments, and standards.

www.ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/supply-chain/gapscn.php | John Taylor - [email protected] | 517.719.0275 | Detroit, MI

SMART SENSORS & INTEGRATED MICROSYSTEMS - CERTIFICATES, UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

A comprehensive educational program, innovative research using emerging technology, and real-world applications - the Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Program at Wayne State University is uniquely positioned to advance the new age of technology, in industries such as automotive.

www.ssim.wayne.edu | [email protected] | 313.577.1306 | Detroit, MI

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCES - UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREES

The College of Engineering campus includes a Business Technology and Research Park (BTR). The BTR Park has been designated a Michigan SmartZone and is home to 42 companies in life sciences, information technology and advanced engineering.

www.wmich.edu/engineer | 269.276.3253 | Kalamazoo, MI

CENTER FOR ADVANCED VEHICLE DESIGN & SIMULATION

WMU’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation provides a platform for collaboration between industry and academia to develop breakthrough technical solutions that can have a deep economic, social, and environmental impact while training top-notch U.S. engineers. 

www.wmich.edu/vehicledesign  | 269.276.3240 | Kalamazoo, MI

www.wmich.edu/edmms/auto | 269.276.3554 | Kalamazoo, MI

AIS TRAINING CENTER

OPERATOR, TECHNICIAN & HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING - CERTIFICATES

The AIS Training Center is a fully staffed, year-round, heavy equipment training facility offering courses in the operation and repair of heavy equipment to our technicians, customers, and the general public. All courses may be tailored to meet your needs.

www.aistraining.com | Steve Higgins - [email protected] | 517.321.8000 | Lansing, MI

MICHIGAN CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (MCTI)                 

MACHINE TECHNOLOGY - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

A residential vocational training center for adults with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities offering support services and state-of-the-art training for jobs needed in industry today. All vocational programs have an active Business Advisory Council of local and state business representatives.

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mcti/vocational-training-programs/machine-technology-program | 877.901.7360 | Plainwell, MI

MICHIGAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTERS (MMTC) 

CONSULTING & TRAINING

With five regional offices, the MMTC offers practical, comprehensive, and affordable consulting services and classes to help train and develop employees and management to grow Michigan manufacturing.

www.the-center.org/Classes/Schedule?region=Virtual-Classes | 888.414.6682 | Plymouth, MI

MICHIGAN NEW JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM                 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL FOR NEW JOBS & EXPANDING OPERATIONS

The program allows community colleges to provide free training for employers that are creating new jobs and/or expanding operations in Michigan. Individual community colleges work directly with employers and local economic development to support job creation. There are no restrictions by Industry or employer size. 

www.mcca.org/mnjtp-overview | Adriana Phelan - [email protected] | 517.372.4350 | Lansing, MI

MICHIGAN WORKS!    

TRAINING SUPPORT & TALENT RECRUITMENT

Michigan Works! agencies and service centers offer a variety of services, such as online job advertisement, training support, student recruitment and resume sorting, to ensure that the labor force meets the needs of employers.

www.michiganworks.org | 800.285.9675 | Lansing, MI

PURE MICHIGAN TALENT CONNECT          

MICHIGAN ADVANCED TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM (MAT²)

The MAT² initiative functions similarly to an apprenticeship program, where students alternate between classroom instruction and on-the-job training, gaining necessary hands-on skills and real-world experiences. 

www.mitalent.org/mat2 | [email protected] I 248.419.4676 | Farmington Hills, MI

THOMPSON M-TEC CAREER & CORPORATE TRAINING          

MANUFACTURING - COLLEGE CREDIT & CERTIFICATES

Thompson M-TEC provides customizable and flexible training, career development, certification testing, and assessments in the areas of welding, electrical repairs, maintenance technician, HVAC, and Robotic programming to meet the needs of adult students & the business community

www.oaisd.org/mtec | 616.738-8935 | Holland, MI

VOCATIONAL VILLAGE                 

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY, ROBOTICS, CNC MACHINING & WELDING - CERTIFICATES

The Vocational Village is a first-of-its-kind skilled trades training program that aims to provide a positive learning community for prisoners who are serious about completing career and technical education.

www.michigan.gov/vocvillage | Ryan Powell - [email protected] | 517.388.9084 | Ionia & Jackson, MI