Purdue, Toyota Partnership Promotes Education
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University’s Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center is partnering with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana on the automaker’s 4T Academy in Gibson County. Created last year, the high school career program provides dual credit curriculum, on-the-job-training and career opportunities for students.
The academy’s inaugural class is nearing graduation and enrollment is available to students from three high schools in Gibson County for the 2021-2022 academic year. After completion of Toyota’s work-based learning requirements, Purdue says graduates have the opportunity to transition into full-time employment with TMMI.
“Establishing industry-education partnerships and pathways aligns education and industry skills needs. Preparing students to be successful in a range of industry career and accelerating educational and career advancement,” said Lisa Deck, IN-MaC program manager for education and workforce. “The 4T Academy ensures that high school students have the skills and access to new technologies allowing students the opportunity and experience to pursue the varied, high-tech opportunities in the region.”
Through the program, students receive an in-class curriculum in fundamental manufacturing principles, including industrial power fundamentals, principles of advanced manufacturing, tech skills development, and a capstone course. Purdue says seniors in the program also receive a paid internship.
“Toyota is continually looking for ways to meet the needs of our community while growing our business,” said Ted Brown, vice president of administration at Toyota Indiana. “Creating the 4T Academy with local educators was the perfect opportunity to meet the growing needs of students, teachers, and our community. Through this program, we provide customized curriculum and hands-on training for students and prepare them for an array of careers in the manufacturing sector,
all while retaining talent in our region and growing our local economy.”
The university says the collaboration brought IN-MaC, TMMI, and educators together to create solutions that would benefit the entire community. Primary actions included identifying Toyota’s workforce needs, consulting with educators to adapt the curriculum to fit teachers’ and students’ needs, and providing resources to implement the curriculum.