US – The funds were announced at the opening of BridgeValley Community and Technical College’s new Advanced Technology Center (ATC), which has been established to prepare technicians for high-tech roles in science and engineering across a variety of sectors, including automotive.
Toyota West Virginia’s total financial gift to the ATC comes to more than $1.2m, but used equipment has also been donated. The pledged $1m over five years will go towards enhancing the centre’s technology and training equipment.
Toyota and BridgeValley are already partners in a two-year Advanced Manufacturing Technician degree programme, designed by the OEM to “deliver education and experience to students in multiple areas needed by manufacturers”.
Toyota West Virginia currently employs 1,300 workers, assembling four-cylinder and V6 engines plus six-speed automatic transmissions.