SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, March 5, 2019 – A new partnership between the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and Conestoga College Institute of Technology will help bolster North America’s automotive purchasing and supply chain networks through education and talent development initiatives that will support innovation and competitiveness.

The collaboration will bring together industry and academic resources for the development and delivery of integrated educational programming for current and emerging automotive industry professionals.

“AIAG is excited about the opportunity to partner with a world class academic institution like Conestoga College to accelerate the development of the next generation of supply chain talent,” said J. Scot Sharland, CEO of AIAG. “Our collaboration will focus on automotive industry purchasing and supply chain management strategy and practice innovation that both anticipates and helps mitigate emerging global challenges and threats.”

AIAG is a member-driven not-for-profit association where automakers and suppliers across the global supply chain – along with partners from academia, government and other sectors – work collaboratively to develop and implement solutions to common industry pain points.

The organization delivers training and certification courses through its headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and partners with universities and colleges to offer additional educational and professional development programs to serve the sector’s purchasing and supply chain networks.

Among its initiatives is the Global Automotive Purchasing and Supply Chain Network (GAPSCN), established through a collaboration with Wayne State University. The network supports students and professionals through educational programming designed to advance knowledge and experience in automotive supply chain management.

As part of the new partnership, Conestoga will explore the potential of joining the network.

“Conestoga is committed to working with industry partners to develop career-ready graduates with the skills and knowledge to address real-world needs,” said Brian Watson, Director of the Magna Centre for Supply Chain Excellence at Conestoga. “The collaboration with AIAG will support the development and enhancement of supply chain management programming as we work together to support the competitiveness of Ontario’s automotive sector through education and applied research.”  

Conestoga is a leader in polytechnic education, delivering a comprehensive range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs to support workforce needs, prepare students for success, and contribute to stronger, more competitive businesses. 

About AIAG
Established in 1982, AIAG is a not-for-profit association where professionals from a diverse group of stakeholders – including retailers, suppliers of all sizes, automakers, manufacturers, service providers, academia and government – work collaboratively to streamline industry processes via global standards development and harmonized business practices. To learn more about AIAG, visit www.aiag.org.

About Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Established in 1967, Conestoga serves approximately 55,000 full and part-time learners each year through a network of campuses and training centres in southern Ontario. The college delivers a comprehensive range of career-focused programs and applied research to meet workforce needs and promote economic growth across the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca