CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) – The School of Applied Engineering and Technology in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is cooperating with a local electronics manufacturer to train potential workers.

The university and AISIN Electronics Illinois, LLC (AEIL), based in Marion, have developed a partnership that would pay students to work at AISIN while earning a degree in a variety of industrial management and engineering fields of study. The first 14 students signed up during a recruiting event on Nov. 18.

“The School of Applied Engineering and Technology has had a long-standing relationship with AISIN Electronics Illinois,” said Tomas Velasco, professor and director of the school, who helped organize the program. “The current management of AISIN Electronics Illinois is committed to providing its employees with the opportunity to earn a degree. This will give our students hands-on experience and show them how their instruction applies beyond the classroom.”

Under the new program, AISIN will pay participants to work five days a week while also covering tuition, books, fees, transportation and parking. The students will work part-time in their specific engineering area at AISIN’s plant while also attending school and maintaining good academic standing. AISIN also asks that participants commit to working for the company for at least two years following their graduations.

William Cox, senior vice president for AISIN, said the company is very excited to partner with SIU’s engineering programs.

“The coordination between the organizations will allow AISIN to skill up our workforce, while also providing a career roadmap for our members,” Cox said. “Some members may have a desire to be in a more technical field, and this partnership allows for that opportunity.”

Cox said the arrangement also allows AISIN to continue contributing to SIU, the alma mater for  many of its employees and their families.

“This is a true win-win partnership, and it’s something we look to extend to our other facilities,” he said.