The Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation (GCAPS) wants to help up-and-coming transportation researchers. GCAPS director Frank Della Pia has a vision to create an apprenticeship program for test engineers. Despite the many opportunities in the engineering field, no certificate program for test engineers currently exists in the United States. Della Pia believes that this program can help the next generation learn critical practical skills.
“Many recent engineering graduates know how to design things but may not always have the requisite experience in conducting A to B tests,” Della Pia said. “I’m excited to make this program a reality.”
Giving back to the community is an integral value of GCAPS, and part of Della Pia’s story. He started his career as an hourly worker on the floor of General Motors and developed his passion for cars when working at night building Oldsmobiles while also attending community college and then Michigan State. Investing money in internships, scholarships, and apprenticeships are the keys to his goal of providing opportunities for the next generation.
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