Saab and Ivy Tech Community College today announced the launch of a new program that will allow Saab employees to enhance workforce skills and earn free credits towards a college degree.
Through the new Saab Training and Education Pathways (“STEP”) program, eligible employees will earn 18 college credits from Ivy Tech Community College upon completion of Saab’s structural training academy—part of the new hire process for manufacturing positions. Credits can be applied toward an advanced manufacturing certificate and/or an Associate’s degree in Industrial Technology and will be awarded retroactively to employees who have previously completed Saab’s structural training academy.
“With today’s announcement, employees will have a built-in jumpstart on a college degree simply by completing the required training at Saab,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Saab is committed to growth and opportunities for our people and the communities where we work. This new benefit has the potential to help employees realize a dream of earning a technical certificate or a college degree while working at Saab. I want to thank the Purdue Research Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for facilitating this exciting new partnership with Ivy Tech.”
This pivotal partnership with Saab stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to equipping our students with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future. Through this collaboration, we are charting a course towards educational innovation and industry relevance.
– Aaron Baute, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
Saab's advanced manufacturing facility in the Purdue Research Foundation’s Discovery Park District builds the aft fuselage for the U.S. Air Force T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet. To learn more about career paths at Saab, visit: https://www.saab.com/markets/united-states/career.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 20,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems.
Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defense capability of several nations.
Saab, Inc. is a U.S. based wholly owned subsidiary, delivering advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in nine U.S. locations, including West Lafayette, Indiana. Learn more at saabinc.com.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
