Greenville, S.C., Sept. 21, 2020 — Michelin donated 75 tool kits to mechatronics students in three career centers across Greenville County: Donaldson, Golden Strip and J. Harley Bonds. Tool kits were designed by members of Michelin’s advanced manufacturing teams in response to an increased interest in mechatronics among high school students and a critical need for supplies.
“Michelin’s donation of 75 tool kits reaffirms our commitment to invest in education, training and career readiness for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Will Whitley, director of community relations, local and state government for Michelin North America. “Michelin is proud to support the local career centers that serve as a talent pipeline for our Youth Apprenticeship and Technical Scholars programs.”
“We want to thank Michelin for this generous investment in our students’ education and economic future,” said Dr. Burke Royster, superintendent of Greenville County Schools. “We have a great, long-standing partnership with Michelin, and this contribution is further evidence of that strong relationship as we work together to ensure that graduates of Greenville County Schools are college and career-ready.”
The Michelin Technical Scholars program partners with local technical colleges to introduce high school seniors and graduates to opportunities available in advanced manufacturing. Michelin offers tech scholars a full scholarship, covering tuition, fees and books. Upon graduation, interested and qualified students join Michelin as reliability technicians, earning salaries comparable to graduates with four-year college degrees.
Michelin’s Youth Apprenticeship program is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor and is offered to high school students in South Carolina who are interested in a manufacturing career. Students work part time at a Michelin facility during the school year and full time during the summer to train as a reliability technician. These initiatives highlight a shared commitment with public schools and technical colleges to prepare talented young people for industrial careers.