UWindsor recognizes FCA for co-op, internship program as automaker slashes jobs at Windsor Assembly plant

An employee at the Windsor Assembly Plant installs the 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first-ever electrified minivan. Photo courtesy of FCA.

The University of Windsor has recognized FCA Canada’s Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC)and Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP). The automaker has received a Co-op & Internship Employer Recognition Award for 2018.

In order to be eligible, award recipients must meet the following criteria: have a longstanding partnership with the University of Windsor; have hired more than ten students throughout 2018; are actively engaged with on-campus activities to the benefit of student learning; and/or have created exceptional work term experiences throughout the year.

The co-op programs at ARDC and WAP accepts second, third and fourth year engineering students. Since 1996, the ARDC alone has had over 500 co-op placements filled by University of Windsor students, and has supported 30-plus Masters and PhD students over the years. The automaker boasts that 10 per cent of the workforce at the ARDC are past co-op students, and 35 per cent are University of Windsor Alumni.

This award comes on the heels of the automaker announcing plans to cut its third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant, slashing upwards of 1,500 jobs. According to reports, the change will take effect on Sept. 30.

This is the second major loss for Ontario's auto sector, as earlier this year, GM announced plans to close its Oshawa plant.