SAE International Throws Support Behind Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance

DETROIT, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many states want to attract and develop green jobs.

Michigan, however, is taking action with the development of the Michigan Academy for Green Mobility Alliance (MAGMA), and SAE International is walking lock step with the effort.

SAE International's professional development department has pledged support for MAGMA through participation on the governing board and some working subcommittees, along with hosting a MAGMA web page at www.sae.org/magma. SAE International's Career Center also is including MAGMA in its efforts to link job seekers with relevant employment opportunities.

"Not only do we salute Michigan's efforts to attract green jobs, but we are proud to be a partner in the effort," said Kevin Perry, manager of professional development for SAE International. "These are the jobs of the future, and Michigan is proactively working to be a leader in this area."

MAGMA was created in response to the rapid growth in the renewable energy sector. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth collaborated with automotive manufacturing employers, educational institutions and Michigan Works!, and in conjunction with the Governor's No Worker Left Behind Green Jobs Initiative.

Over the next five years, automotive manufacturers and suppliers project a need for more than 1,000 additional engineers and technicians that are trained to work in hybrid vehicle design and manufacturing.

MAGMA's mission is to ensure the automotive industry has the trained engineers and technicians they need to grow and prosper in the emerging green economy. That mission is being fulfilled through a series of MAGMA-approved, graduate-level certificate programs in vehicle electrification, all of which include hands-on training. The three Michigan universities that have obtained MAGMA approval include Michigan Technological University, University of Detroit Mercy, and Wayne State University. Since 2009, more than 300 working and displaced engineers have enrolled in these MAGMA-endorsed programs.

MAGMA is working on expanding its curricular focus to include advanced combustion engine diesel technology for engineers and vehicle electrification for technicians.

The other significant attribute of the MAGMA initiative has been their success in garnering access to federal and state training funds to help subsidize tuition for the approved training programs.

A free webinar about MAGMA is being hosted by DELEG with support from SAE International on Wednesday, February 23, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  Information will include descriptions of the approved graduate certificate programs from university representatives, information on training funds and how to access, and further background on MAGMA including how companies can join.  

Those interested in attending the webinar can find registration information at www.sae.org/magma.

SAE International's automotive headquarters are headquartered in Troy, Mich. SAE International is intimately involved with the automobile industry; it's annual World Congress is held each spring in Detroit and is the second largest convention held in Detroit after the North American International Auto Show.

"We had a lot vested in Michigan, and it's critical that we be on the ground while the MAGMA initiative gets rolling," Perry said. MAGMA's mission to provide rapid skill growth in green technology solutions for advanced mobility to meet industry needs fits perfectly with the continuing education goals we have at SAE International. In supporting MAGMA, we see an excellent opportunity to help the automotive industry leverage the appropriate and relevant green technologies."

More information about MAGMA, including its mission, objectives, and education and training providers can be found at http://www.sae.org/training/magma/.

Contact: Shawn Andreassi, Manager, Corporate Communications, SAE International, 724-772-8522, [email protected]

SOURCE SAE International