As manufacturing jobs require increasingly higher levels of technical skill, U.S. companies are struggling to find workers who possess the necessary qualifications to thrive in these rewarding careers and grow their firms' business. To help address this critical issue, Schaeffler Group USA (Schaeffler) and The University of Akron have partnered to offer three innovative educational programs specifically designed to meet the needs of the manufacturing sector and its evolving workforce.
Option One: Employees can complete an apprenticeship linked to an engineering technology degree in on the following fields: Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Each of Schaeffler's four apprenticeship tracks is aligned with at least one of the above engineering technology degrees.
Coursework from the degree program serves as the curriculum for the apprenticeship program, along with other noncredit courses such as blueprint reading, welding, etc.
All Schaeffler apprentices are automatically enrolled as UA students. Classes are held at Schaeffler's Wooster location as well as Wayne College and the College of Applied Science and Technology on UA's main campus.
Graduate apprentices receive an Apprenticeship Certificate/Journeyman's Card from the U.S. Department of Labor as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in one of the three engineering technology fields.
Schaeffler employees can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology from UA by attending classes part-time over three years. Classes are held at the Training Academy on the Schaeffler campus in collaboration with the Wayne County Schools Career Center.
The extensive curriculum encompasses subjects such as manufacturer computer applications, robotics, lean manufacturing, quality control, and more.
Students are encouraged to continue their studies toward a bachelor's degree.
Eligible Schaeffler employees and their dependents can receive a scholarship award equivalent to 25 percent of their tuition for undergraduate, credit-bearing courses at UA. Graduate, credit-bearing coursework is eligible for a scholarship equal to 10 percent of tuition costs at UA.