The inaugural class of 14 BMW Scholars graduated and was hired as full-time BMW Manufacturing Co. of Greer production and equipment service associates. BMW partnered Greenville Technical College, Spartanburg Community College and Tri-County Technical College.
“Future development of the manufacturing workforce in the Upstate is part of our long-term sustainability strategy and commitment to education. As today’s event signifies, the BMW Scholars Program has proven itself to be a successful recruitment tool,” said BMW President Josef Kerscher.
The BMW Scholars program was launched in August 2011 and has recruited over 30 Scholars, with another 35 planned for this fall. The program offers technical college students enrolled in various career paths related to manufacturing technology, the workplace benefits of a traditional apprentice program found in Germany with the additional advantage of tuition and book assistance.
“This is a great example of how collaboration between the educational and manufacturing sector leads to far better outcomes for our next generation.”
BMW is accepting applications for fall enrollment. Students in the first and have a GPA of 2.8 or above can contact:
• Spartanburg Community College, Kathy McKinzie, 864-592-4808.
• Greenville Technical College, Sandra Hartsell, 864-250-8049 or Susan Gasque 864-250-8105.
• Tri-County Technical College, Glenn Hellenga 864-646-1585.