Honda enters educational partnership with College of Engineering
Published: Jul 14, 2023 1:15 PM
By Carla Nelson
The Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) and the Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering recently entered into an educational partnership through which more than 15 Honda associates will pursue graduate certificates through the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE).
“Developing technical skills and capabilities is a top priority for our associates and Honda’s decision to participate in this educational program stems from our commitment to our associates to foster professional development opportunities,” Stephen Woodry, quality leader for the Alabama Honda facility, said of the partnership. “Our industry is changing and the skills and requirements to build high-tech vehicles is also changing with the shift to electrification, alternative fuels and automated vehicles.”
Honda associates who qualify for the graduate program have the opportunity to choose from pursuing one of ISE’s four graduate certificates: Manufacturing Systems, Modeling for Data Analytics and Operations, Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, and Automotive Manufacturing Systems.
“The opportunity to pursue Auburn graduate certificates in Industrial and Systems Engineering is closely aligned with Honda’s core values and principles that encourage associates to dream and pursue their passions,” Woodry said. “The certificates offer a comprehensive curriculum that will provide our associates with the knowledge and skills they need to continue to grow and enhance their skills in an area they are passionate about. By investing in the education and development of our associates, we empower them to become more effective leaders, which benefits both our associates and the company as a whole.”
Truong Nguyen, a section technical lead for the Vehicle Communication and Control group in Honda’s Alabama Product Engineering Department, will pursue the Automotive Manufacturing Systems graduate certificate beginning in the fall.
Nguyen, who has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said he has always strived to stay sharp and learn new things, even from everyday activities.
“I believe expanding my technical knowledge would greatly benefit me as an engineer and a Honda employee,” Nguyen said. “I think this Auburn graduate certificate program offers a great opportunity for me to do so while performing my full-time job duties at the same time.”
Nguyen added that he would also like to set an example for his children.
“I’d like to show them that learning is a never-ending and rewarding process,” he said. “I really hope to succeed in that.”
Tom Devall, director of auto manufacturing initiatives for ISE, said the partnership is mutually beneficial to both Honda and Auburn ISE.
“The business of building cars involves all aspects of industrial engineering,” he said. “Our faculty specializes in occupational safety and ergonomics, manufacturing, systems engineering and operations research. All areas are fully integrated into automotive manufacturing.”
He added that students from Honda will benefit by understanding the interdependence of these disciplines and be better equipped to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses within their organization.
“This added knowledge will enhance their problem-solving skills and position them for career advancement,” he said. “Auburn faculty and students will also benefit from the inclusion of highly experienced manufacturing professionals integrated into the classroom. The insights that Honda students bring will provide real-world examples for discussion, enhancing the learning experience for all.”
Media Contact: , carla@auburn.edu, 844-1404
The Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) and the Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering recently entered into an educational partnership through which more than 15 Honda associates will pursue graduate certificates through the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE).
