July 10, 2013
At the recent South Carolina Education and Business Summit in Greenville, Tognum America’s MTU Aiken Plant was awarded the Carolina Careers Governor’s Award – Private
Sector Champion of the Year, for launching its new high school
apprenticeship program. The award annually recognizes a South Carolina
employer or organization that connects the workplace to educational
institutions. Joerg Klisch, vice president of North American operations for
Tognum America, accepted the award on behalf of the MTU Aiken Plant.
“This award is a result of Tognum America’s partnership with Aiken County
and the state of South Carolina,” said Klisch. “The success we have
achieved in implementing our apprenticeship program in South Carolina is
a true testament to the dedication this community has for education. We
aspire to continue the program’s growth, and to be a model for businesses
throughout the state.”
With the help of the Aiken County Career & Technology Center (ACCTC),
Klisch launched the program at the high school level in 2012 with six high
school juniors. At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year this fall, the
company will add six more students to the program, expanding the
program to 12 apprentices per year.
Tognum America and the MTU Aiken Plant were recently honored by
ACCTC with another award. The company was named the ACCTC’s
Business Partner of the Year at its annual graduation ceremony on June 5.
In addition to the apprenticeship program, Tognum has partnered with other
ACCTC skill areas to provide work based learning opportunities:
Computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) provided landscape
plans for facility grounds.
Contract with Auto Detailing to maintain MTU Aiken Plant employee
vehicles.
Support of ACCTC’s horticulture program to enhance MTU’s
Graniteville property.
The growing apprenticeship program is one aspect of the constant
expansion taking place at the MTU Aiken Plant. This past spring, Tognum
completed construction of a new 19,300-square-foot research and
development center at the plant, capable of testing new diesel engines up
to 4,500 kW (6,000 bhp), while simulating a wide variety of applications,
load demands and environmental conditions. The plant manufactures MTU Series 2000 and 4000 diesel engines, primarily for the U.S. market.