The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit's Partnership 2000 program has facilitated a new project with General Motors Corp., Wayne State University and Universal Motors Israel Ltd. (UMI) to enhance the skills of Israeli automotive personnel. Supported by Federation, the GM Foundation and a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Narens, the project enables a UMI employee to learn about the U.S. auto industry at GM while earning college credits at Wayne State University. Credits will be transferable to Ben-Gurion University, where the employee will receive a college degree.

Although a number of universities were evaluated for possible inclusion in the program, WSU was chosen for its "excellence in business training," said Robert Aronson, Federation executive vice-president. Its location near GM headquarters and its many existing joint ventures with Israeli universities were among the considerations in choosing WSU.

Eyal Garossi of Tel Aviv is the first participant in the program, which began in September. Based at GM's International Product Center, Mr. Garossi will enhance his skills by visiting several GM departments. His area of concentration will be on service, or what GM calls "after sale." He is expected to take his new skills and knowledge back to UMI when he returns to Israel next year.

Raytheon Systems Co., which provides training assistance to the International Product Center, is assisting in the training process.

While at WSU, Mr. Garossi is pursuing studies in business management with a focus on engineering. Prior to coming to Detroit, where he is hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Richard Krugel, Mr. Garossi served as an instructor in UMI's technical department, was a technical information specialist, consultant, technical writer and diagnostic technician. He was graduated with honors as an automotive practical engineer from Tel-Hay College in Israel.

The program will continue for two more years, with each participant focusing on a different area of specialization.

  December 1998