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GM Technical Learning University Relaunches with New Training Center

Technical Learning University is the latest upskilling program offered to workforce

Innovation has always been in General Motors’ DNA. While we continue to push the limits of R&D, product development and manufacturing, we are also striving to stay on the cutting edge of organizational development and how work gets done.

Ensuring our workforce has the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly transforming world can help us define the future of mobility. And robust employee training can help enhance competitiveness for both our company and our workforce. These were the driving forces behind the relaunch of Technical Learning University, or TLU, complete with a $2 million upgrade to manufacturing laboratory facilities.

GM skilled trades employee training at the Technical Learning University in Warren.
GM employee working on technicial equipment at the renovated training facility in Warren.

GM’s Technical Learning University

TLU is a technical training umbrella encompassing several programs, including:

  • Electrical Apprentice Program: Nearly 300 skilled trades electricians across 27 UAW-GM facilities participate in this program, featuring 15 to 20 rotations in the electrical apprentice robotics lab.

  • Upskilling of Employees: Over the next three years, TLU leadership anticipates training up to 3,600 U.S.-based workers on vehicle launches and other critical areas.

  • Controls Engineer College: This program will launch on Oct. 1, providing instruction on troubleshooting a vehicle body shop cell, among other high-tech subjects.

"GM’s people have been, and always will be one of our greatest strengths. As our products change and our manufacturing operations evolve, we need to do all we can to support employees through this evolution. Building a future-ready workforce is a key business priority."

Peter Thom, vice president, Global Manufacturing Engineering.

Training and Upskilling Employees

TLU is based on an initiative that began in 2017, focused on improving the technical ability of GM skilled trades workers and salaried manufacturing engineers.

  • Since its inception, the umbrella program has trained more than 300 GM employees.

  • Both salaried and hourly programs are designed to allow students to continue to perform their “day jobs” while participating in a series of Monday-Friday training periods at TLU.
Electrician equipment displayed inside GM’s renovated training facility.
Two electrician equipment cells displayed inside GM’s renovated training facility in Warren.

State-of-the-Art Training Facility

In August 2020, GM’s TLU completed a $2 million upgrade to manufacturing laboratory facilities located on the Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan.

  • Renovations of this 135,000 square-foot facility include:
    • Robot cells replicating those found in current GM plants.
    • Next-generation equipment, including new flexible sheet metal fabrication technologies.
    • A 70,000 square-foot-high ceiling clearance area that accommodates plant-like operations.
  • The new lab will benefit from a continuous investment of up to $12 million.

To learn more about GM jobs and career opportunities, visit the careers with General Motors page.

Story Posted on September 1, 2020