GE Aviation knows the value of student talent, as they have shown with their University Development Center in Houghton.
The company, which employs more than 1,400 people in Michigan and nearly 60 in Houghton alone, has an office at the
MTEC SmartZone's Powerhouse facility, on Houghton's waterfront. There, students from Michigan Technological University provide engineering design and development services for the aerospace industry, including, but hardly limited to, software development and mechanical and hardware design.
So far, says Jason Mack, site manager for GE in Houghton, the relationship with the Fortune 500 company, Michigan Tech and the MTEC SmartZone has been a great one. The company first opened its U.P. doors in 2005.
"Students love this area and want to stay here, so we don’t experience a high turnover of talent," says Mack. "In my opinion, any technology company looking for hiring solutions can’t go wrong with MTEC SmartZone's formula. We have the need, Michigan Tech has the brain power and student base, and the Powerhouse facility provides the space for us to grow and succeed."
According to the MTEC SmartZone, companies who employ a local student workforce retain control of IP and innovations, increase workforce diversity, discover new talent, and maintain quality and process control. Exceptional students are often promoted within the company, gaining huge career advantages in a tough economy.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jason Mack, GE Aviation
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