BEDFORD, Ind. - Vincennes University and GM Powertrain Bedford have announced a new partnership to train United Auto Workers apprentices in advanced manufacturing processes through VU’s Business and Industry workforce development training program.

The partnership allows General Motors apprentices to receive focused training in the areas of metallurgy, blueprint reading, and CNC machining.

“Through partnerships like these with government, labor, business, and educational institutions such as Vincennes and North Lawrence Community School Corporation, General Motors and the United Auto Workers are able to turn out some of the most highly trained and knowledgeable individuals in the skilled trades professions,” said Richard Cota, apprenticeship program director at GM Powertrain Bedford.

Cota further stated, “VU has provided quality, cost-effective skilled trades courses to the small communities of southern Indiana. General Motors Corporation alongside the United Auto Workers are pleased to have the University’s vast array of extremely knowledgeable faculty and staff overseeing our apprentice course curriculum.”

“It is my pleasure to announce Vincennes University’s apprenticeship training program with GM Powertrain in Bedford. GM Bedford is a global leader in aluminum die cast processing and manufacturing, and this partnership allows Vincennes University’s focused, quality training programs to take the apprenticeship program to the next level,” said VU President Chuck Johnson.

The program, developed by Vincennes University with direction from General Motors, is assisted by the United Auto Workers, StoneGate Arts and Education Center, and North Lawrence Community Schools.

GM POWERTRAIN BEDFORD

Located in south central Indiana, GM Powertrain Bedford is one of the leading aluminum die casting facilities in the world. Bedford uses an aluminum die cast process to manufacture transmission casings and converter housings for the new fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Most team members are represented by United Autoworker Locals 440 and IBEW Local 16.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as Indianapolis, Lebanon, and Gibson County. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 17 countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

###

Visit the VU Online Newsroom

VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager
   812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu
MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom