Fanshawe automotive program driving education on a global scale
A new international partnership between Fanshawe and a Korean automotive college brings a global perspective to campus and more skilled tradespeople to London.
Ajou Motor College, which specializes in tool, die and mould making for the automobile industry, is located in Boryeong, South Korea and has sent three graduated students to Fanshawe for North American training.
The students, who are currently enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL), are preparing to enter the St. Thomas campus Mechanical Technician Tool and Die program in January.
Bruce Wilson, Coordinator of International Partnerships at Fanshawe, said the partnership benefits Fanshawe socially, culturally and economically. With the recently announced automobile manufacturing development in southwestern Ontario, Wilson said the international expansion would give London a much-needed boost in skilled trade workers.
The tool and die program does not include a co-op, but it does involve placements, which will give the Korean students first hand experience in the Canadian automobile industry.
“Some [students] will stay in Canada and apply for permanent residence,” Wilson said about the Korean students after their Fanshawe graduation. International students can also apply for a post-grad work permit, which will allow them to work in the country for two years in the industry in which they are educated.
“When you attract international students to come to Fanshawe you hope they like the quality of living in London and actually stay when their education is over,” said Kapil Lakhotia, Manager of Research and Business Development for the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).
LEDC initiated the partnership between the two colleges by introducing a private Korean businessman to the automotive programs offered at Fanshawe.
Due to the expensive technology and limited workstations, Wilson said the competitive tool and die program trains only 40 students a semester.
According to Lakhotia, there is a strong demand for skilled tool and die tradeworkers in London and expects the new Korean students will bring their experience and technical know-how to both Fanshawe and the London automobile industry.
The manufacturing industry employs 16 per cent of London's labour workforce, which equates to 38,000 jobs, Lakhotia said.
Wilson anticipates a stronger relationship developing with Ajou Motor College and would like to have Fanshawe students and faculty explore their opportunities abroad.
Currently there are 200 full time and 93 ESL international students enrolled at Fanshawe.
Ajou Motor College, which specializes in tool, die and mould making for the automobile industry, is located in Boryeong, South Korea and has sent three graduated students to Fanshawe for North American training.
The students, who are currently enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL), are preparing to enter the St. Thomas campus Mechanical Technician Tool and Die program in January.
Bruce Wilson, Coordinator of International Partnerships at Fanshawe, said the partnership benefits Fanshawe socially, culturally and economically. With the recently announced automobile manufacturing development in southwestern Ontario, Wilson said the international expansion would give London a much-needed boost in skilled trade workers.
The tool and die program does not include a co-op, but it does involve placements, which will give the Korean students first hand experience in the Canadian automobile industry.
“Some [students] will stay in Canada and apply for permanent residence,” Wilson said about the Korean students after their Fanshawe graduation. International students can also apply for a post-grad work permit, which will allow them to work in the country for two years in the industry in which they are educated.
“When you attract international students to come to Fanshawe you hope they like the quality of living in London and actually stay when their education is over,” said Kapil Lakhotia, Manager of Research and Business Development for the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).
LEDC initiated the partnership between the two colleges by introducing a private Korean businessman to the automotive programs offered at Fanshawe.
Due to the expensive technology and limited workstations, Wilson said the competitive tool and die program trains only 40 students a semester.
According to Lakhotia, there is a strong demand for skilled tool and die tradeworkers in London and expects the new Korean students will bring their experience and technical know-how to both Fanshawe and the London automobile industry.
The manufacturing industry employs 16 per cent of London's labour workforce, which equates to 38,000 jobs, Lakhotia said.
Wilson anticipates a stronger relationship developing with Ajou Motor College and would like to have Fanshawe students and faculty explore their opportunities abroad.
Currently there are 200 full time and 93 ESL international students enrolled at Fanshawe.
