Topic(s)
- People-centric leadership
Overview
Connect With JASPER is an innovative internship opportunity offered by Jasper Engines and Transmissions. Quite simply, Connect is unlike a typical internship. This partnership is unique to JASPER and encourages students to be creative and collaborate as a team to gain the most from their experience. The program develops students in three valuable areas of their lives: professionally, personally and culturally.
JASPER accepts students entering their first year of college through students entering their senior year of college. Team members connect the missing piece between classroom education and real-life experiences in a workplace through stimulating exercises and engaging activities.
Throughout the 12-week program, Connect members engage in a lean manufacturing workshop that focuses on continuous improvement. It’s value-added work with the responsibility of making our workplace better. The students also participate in life skills classes on a range of topics, including financial responsibility, investment tips and professional communication. Finally, they steer a community service project, with some guidance, and run with it.
Jasper Engines and Transmissions is committed to the development of its community’s youth. JASPER understands the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry at an early age and will do so by challenging its students with exceptional learning opportunities that will prepare them for future experiences in the classroom and in the workforce. Connect interns are often from southwest Indiana, where the company was founded and has been rooted since its beginning in 1942, and most are majoring in engineering or business. However, the company has also accepted Connect interns from all over the country with a variety of majors. Since 2014, the company has had 71 interns complete this program and another 10 set up to take this challenge in 2024.
Key learning objectives
1. Learn how to create and sustain a highly engaged summer internship program.
2. Learn how to develop future talent & give them the tools to be successful.
3. Discover how students can identify a community service project which can leave a legacy.
Company
Jasper Engines & Transmissions, a 100% associate-owned company, was founded in 1942 and is the nation’s leading remanufacturer of a diverse line of powertrain components. The Jasper, Indiana-based company remanufactures gas and diesel engines, transmissions, differentials, diesel air and fuel components, sterndrives, and outboard lower units. The company has five production facilities, two distribution centers, and 52 nationwide branch locations, allowing them to deliver products quickly and efficiently. Jasper Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Jasper Electric Motors, Jasper Innovative Solutions, Weller Truck Parts, Diesel USA Group, D&W Diesel, and in 2022 they acquired Jer-Den Plastics, further diversifying their brands. Progressive research programs and new product development enable them to provide quality, value-oriented products second to none. JASPER® operates on a philosophy of continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, customer service and waste reduction. JASPER®’s mission statement is simple: “Do It Right… And Have Fun!” https://www.jasperengines.com/
Presenter
John Schroeder has worked at Jasper Engines and Transmission for over 23 years. During this time, he has served in a number of different roles and departments. Schroeder started his journey at Jasper in their People Services (HR) group, and after two years, he made the logical transition into manufacturing leadership. Following a 10-year run with manufacturing, Schroeder then served two years as a member of the Jasper Production Systems Team (continuous improvement) and has served the last nine years in his current role as vice president of Driveline Manufacturing. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee. Schroeder is a 1994 graduate of Hanover College.
