Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and the Universidad Tecnológica de Ciudad Acuña (UTCA) partnered to expand access to training, internships and professional development for both students and employees.
"We're proud to partner with UTCA to help develop the next generation of skilled professionals while opening new doors for current Bendix employees to continue their education," says Oscar Campos, HR director at the Bendix Acuña facility and Mexico human resources country lead. "This is a mutually beneficial collaboration, and one that reflects our long-standing commitment to investing in people and supporting our community."
The agreement was signed this summer. Part of the agreement is a structured internship program that connects UTCA students with Bendix teams in departments such as engineering, production, supply chain and logistics.
"These internships are about solving real challenges, applying academic knowledge in practical ways and building the professional skills that employers value," says Carlos Aguilar, training supervisor at Bendix Acuña.
[RELATED: Bendix recognizes teams, employees who improve workplace conditions]
These internships require participants to fulfill extensive academic requirements, usually 480 to 680 hours. Each intern will be assigned a mentor to guide them through their time with the company. Interns will receive compensation for their work and, in some cases, transition into full-time roles after graduation.
"At UTCA, we are committed to training professionals who drive technological and industrial development in our region," says Ing. Luis Manuel Navarro Galindo, rector at UTCA. "This partnership with Bendix represents an invaluable opportunity for our students, who will be able to apply their knowledge to real-world projects, access specialized mentorship and strengthen their skills in an environment of excellence. Additionally, this agreement reinforces our connection with the productive sector, ensuring that our academic programs remain aligned with industry needs."
Bendix employees who wish to pursue degrees at UTCA are eligible for substantial tuition assistance including 50% scholarships for all enrolled employees and 100% scholarships for employees who maintain an academic average between 96-100 after the first four-month period.
"This partnership is an investment in our people," Campos says. "It supports employee growth, strengthens our internal capabilities and makes Bendix an even better place to build a long-term career."
The Acuña plant opened in 1988 and makes actuators, air dryers, antilock braking systems (ABS), compressors, integrated vehicle modules and valves. It also produces two emerging systems, Bendix's Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) and Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT).
The new agreement enables broader collaboration between Bendix and UTCA, including joint research projects, shared use of UTCA's specialized training facilities such as mechatronics and information technology labs, and access to the university's online job board for recruiting graduates.
"Strong communities create strong workforces," says Francisco Perez, human resources administrator at Bendix Acuña. "By working with UTCA, we're helping students prepare for meaningful careers and provide our region's industries with skilled talent they need to grow."
