Saab and Ivy Tech Launch New Program to Expand College Access to Employees

Saab and Ivy Tech Community College Tuesday 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,” affirms Aaron Baute, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette. “Through this collaboration, we are charting a course towards educational innovation and industry relevance.”

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.