Owens continues as training leader through GM grant

        At the forefront of advanced manufacturing training in Northwest Ohio, Owens Community College is now positioned to explore new training initiatives thanks to a $40,000 grant from General Motors (GM). The grant will fund a study that explores options to launch individuals into higher skills and higher wage opportunities in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 advanced manufacturing credentials.
        “We are excited to deepen our partnership with General Motors so that Owens Community College will continue to address labor market demands by producing job-ready workers,” Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville said. “Thanks to these grant dollars, we will assess the current and relevant training that is needed to align with GM’s advancements in technology and automation.”
        Owens executive team members toured the GM Toledo Propulsions Systems facility and met with GM leaders on Feb. 1.
        “Owens Community College and GM Toledo Propulsion Systems partnership will help to drive the transformation of advanced manufacturing,” said GM Toledo Plant Executive Director Eric Gonzales. “The technological journey of innovation demands integration of higher skills, through the development of constant training and education programs for our workforce.”
        Owens offers 23 programs and certificates at the modern Dana Center for advanced manufacturing training on the Toledo-area Campus and partners with Raise the Bar Hancock County for the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership apprenticeship program on the Findlay-area Campus.
        In 2021, Owens, Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay created a unique partnership and formed the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, a hub for business and industry along the I-75 corridor for workforce training, talent development, innovation, automation, systems integration and supply chain management.
        Dr. Somerville also sits on a statewide Ohio Semiconductor Collaboration Network Steering Committee, a group focused on fine-tuning training programs in response to the needs of the new Intel computer chip plant in central Ohio.
        In all, GM contributed $600,000 to seven community colleges nationally. The American Association of Community Colleges administered the grant funds, which were distributed to community colleges near GM facilities.            Purchased by GM in 1956, Toledo Propulsion Systems currently builds GM’s six-speed, eight-speed and 10-speed rear-wheel drive and nine-speed front-wheel drive transmissions that are used in a variety of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products. The facility currently employs approximately 1,500 people.
        General Motors is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is accessible and inclusive. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands.
        More information on the company and its subsidiaries can be found at gm.com.