OREANDA-NEWS. August 21, 2012. GE Appliances and the University of Louisville are partnering by offering onsite graduate-level engineering classes at Appliance Park and working together on research and development.

Starting this year, GE’s Edison Educational Development Program engineers will be required to earn their master of science degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering. To do so, GE worked with UofL to modify the existing Edison program, which will be extended from two to three years.

Students will have five engineering job rotations while the company pays for their education. Professors from UofL’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering will be teaching at the manufacturer’s Louisville complex, eliminating the need for commuting or distance learning. Besides classwork, the students will be encouraged to complete an appliance-related thesis, which will allow them to specialize in their areas of interest.

Also, UofL’s Research Foundation Inc. and GE have forged a master research agreement that will allow UofL engineering and physics faculty and GE engineers to collaborate on research projects. Several projects are in development.

“These collaborations between UofL and GE will produce a better educated workforce, innovative technologies and, ultimately, more jobs in the Louisville area,” UofL President James Ramsey said.

“With this expanded partnership, GE is able to enhance our capability to build great products that will delight the consumer,” said Kevin Nolan, vice president of technology for GE Appliances. “With a focus on continuous improvement through education and research, our engineers are better equipped with the most current training and research available.