Kelley to address auto industry future, help put on conference

The “Driving Change: Greening the Automotive Workforce” conference exploring the current issues and evolving transformations in the auto industry will take place in Michigan on May 3 and 4. The Indiana Business Research Center at the Kelley School of Business will present research findings at the conference.

Research presentations, tours of General Motors facilities and production sites and examinations of energy-efficient vehicles will be included in the conference.

An 18-month study led by the U.S. Department of Labor will be unveiled at the event. The study was compiled by the IBRC in cooperation with Labor Market Information offices in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, the Center for Automotive Research and Case Western Reserve University.

“Michigan, Ohio and Indiana have seen half of their auto sector jobs disappear over the past decade, and many of those won’t be returning,” said Jerry Conover, director of the IBRC. “The jobs that will be in demand will require different sets of skills and knowledge to make and sell the vehicles tomorrow’s consumers will want. This study clarifies what occupations will be in demand and how today’s workers can make the
transition to those jobs.”

Event directors said they hope to interest a diverse group of attendees from both the public and private sector workforces and lead them in training programs with economic development educators and employment sectors.

“The conference should be useful to anyone who needs to prepare for the transitions in the industry,” Conover said.

Since the researchers who conducted the study said they believe the auto industry will never be as big as it used to be, speakers will examine the industry’s future.

“We’re seeing new hires, as well as an effort to infuse green skills to incumbent workers throughout the industry — and beyond,” said Kristin Dziczek, director of the Labor and Industry Group at CAR.

The conference is meant to provide attendees with information that will help them prepare for the changes the industry will face while also grasping the tools needed to find jobs inside and outside the industry, Dziczek said.

Anyone, including manufacturers, government relations specialists, economic developers, college developers and government official, is encouraged to take part in the conference.

Registration for the weekend is $200 and is still open. For more information, visit online at www.drivingworkforcechange.com.