Auburn University (web|news) has added a new program to teach students automotive engineering skills, part of an ongoing effort by educators to prepare students for high-paying jobs in Alabama's automotive industry.

Graduates of the automotive manufacturing engineering minor would learn skills for jobs in upper- and midlevel management positions in any of the state's current three auto plants - Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai.

While the new program could help Alabama be more competitive in attracting new automakers, it is primarily meant to support existing plants.

As the state's auto industry grows and develops, the state needs to provide not only workers to build the cars, but also engineers who can design and implement processes that make a plant work, Steve Sewell, executive vice president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, told The Birmingham News in a story Tuesday.

"We've demonstrated that we can provide the production work force that companies need to be successful, and we've demonstrated that we've got all of the other advantages to support an automotive-related company," Sewell said.

"Now companies are going to be looking for the midlevel managers, skilled positions and experienced personnel who can help them be competitive," he added.

The new minor is part of a broader auto industry focus at Auburn that may later include more graduate-level engineering training and additional research programs.

Auburn already has links to the state's automotive industry. Its Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics, or CAVE, provides research for several automotive companies. Graduate and undergraduate industrial engineering students also work at assembly and supplier plants.

The new 15-hour minor was approved last year. It is aimed at students majoring in mechanical or industrial engineering and includes courses in vehicle technology, factory floor control, lean manufacturing and other processes to improve efficiency.