Chrysler goes to College.
Exciting news released by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is offering free college tuition courses to its dealerships across the United States. Chrysler’s program is a partnership with Strayer University, a private, for-profit college that offers classes online as well as on campus. Chrysler said it hopes the free tuition will transform it into a more attractive place to work. “We are giving workers something they can’t get somewhere else!” exclaims Gardner. The goal is that this will attract intellectual workers, who are interested in growing with the automotive industry.
No worry on waiting!
The best part of this offer is that there is little wait, a measly 30 days after employment you qualify to participate in the program. There is then no grace period to wait after you complete the program, meaning you can leave employment the next day and you do not have to pay a dime back. Gardner feels that this quick exit option will not be an issue, he says, “If we can keep our top people three to four years, we’ll retain them for life.”*
Back to School.
The program, named Degrees@Work, will introduced in phases, starting in the southeast. Employees at dealerships in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee can enroll today.
Strayer, which partners the college with companies looking to give education benefits to employees. Strayer is a reputable college, mentioning that about a quarter of their enrolled students come from Fortune 500 companies.
Why foot the bill?
Chrysler comments that they would like to grow 20-25% over the next three to five years. One of the best ways to ensure hiring bright employees is to offer them what they need to get on the right path for success. What better option is there to be at the company you want to grow with after college, than to be at that company during college. The thought of earning money during college rather than plummeting deep into debt with student loans is sure to attract those considering a career in automobiles.
*http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertamatuson/2015/05/15/fiat-chrysler-puts-the-pedal-to-the-metal-to-win-the-race-for-talent/2/