Yazaki Gains Auto Show Insight from the Next Generation Workforce
January 25, 2018

Before the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opens for public show days, the floor is opened to those in the automotive industry. For the past six years Yazaki has used these Industry Preview Days to not only give employees a peek on the auto show floor, but to extend the opportunity to promising local university students including current Yazaki co-ops. These student Liaisons were paired up with Yazaki engineers for the day to work together and explore the latest vehicles and automotive technology.

Doug Burcicki, Director of Planning, and Dave Scheffler, Chief Engineer, spoke with students and before they explored the NAIAS floor. This year, Doug stressed the importance of this experience for Yazaki engineers. “For our engineers, today also brings the unique opportunity to learn from the next generation of industry professionals,” said Doug.  “This is their chance to get to know students’ interests, insights, and find out how Millennials think when it comes to automotive and their expectations for the changing industry.”

The students were tasked with exploring all that the Auto Show had to offer and take notes on anything of interest. Students recorded new technology incorporated in vehicles and industry trends to provide the insight and perspective of the next-generation automotive workforce and future consumer. Following the student program, engineers and students met with Angie Schmidt of Core Engineering to discuss their findings together.

For some students like HEV Engineering Co-op Tamer Safwan, this was the first Auto Show they have visited. “This was my first time attending the Auto Show and thanks to the liaison program, I had a wonderful time! The engineers we were paired with were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, showing us the new technologies and some of the carline harnesses they designed! I also got to meet students from different universities and was able to share with them my experience as a Co-op at Yazaki. The liaison program was a great experience and networking opportunity.”

A huge thank you to all Yazaki engineer volunteers for another successful year!