This fourth-generation GM employee embraces development opportunities to become future-ready ...
Matthew DeMott is carrying on a family tradition as a fourth-generation General Motors employee. Both of his great-grandfathers worked for the company as did their children– down to his mother and father. His dad is currently a senior process engineer on the Cybersecurity and Networks Technology Development team.
DeMott is excited about his role at GM and the prospect of enjoying a long and rewarding career with the company, like the generations before him. As a Device Level Analytics Controls Engineer, he focuses on systems that collect data to improve vehicle quality and increase production.
“I’ve always felt a connection with GM’s goals,” said DeMott. “As I look back to discussions around the dinner table while growing up, I’m proud to be where I am and contributing to GM’s vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.”
DeMott has been a full time GM employee since May 2018. He began as a TRACK engineer following an internship with the Vehicle Systems Automation group and graduating from Oakland University with a bachelor’s in computer science. TRACK is GM’s early career development program designed to help new hires build foundational skills and provide exposure to GM’s business through rotational assignments, networking, and access to training.
In his first TRACK assignment, DeMott supported automation at the Flint Assembly Plant in Michigan. He transferred to Arlington Assembly in Texas to perform the same responsibilities. As a third TRACK assignment, DeMott had a role with IT supporting manufacturing production support systems. He eventually returned to Michigan and gained valuable experience as a first line supervisor at assembly plants in Lake Orion and Detroit. In DeMott’s time with GM, he has already supported a full range of vehicles from heavy-duty pickup trucks powered by internal combustion engines to the all-electric subcompact Chevrolet Bolt EV.
As GM heads toward an all-electric future, many new career paths will be simple moves while some may require new training or a stretch in comfort levels. GM’s goal is to have a role for everyone who wants to be part of the company’s journey.
“Workforce development initiatives aren’t just flashy programs,” said Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability Gerald Johnson during recent discussions with community leaders. “Our team is used to regular training and learning new parts and technologies to deliver best in class vehicles.”
DeMott appreciates his leaders’ support for training, and he finds courses easily accessible. So far, he has completed a handful of classes at the Macomb Community College Technical Training Program (M-TEC). While GM owns the jointly developed training content, M-TEC is responsible for the execution. It offers a combination of live and pre-recorded lessons, including courses on GM’s error-proofing platform, lockout and energy control systems and an automation certification program.
DeMott also completed a programmable logic controller course at GM’s Technical Learning University. The TLU focuses on improving the technical skills of GM’s salaried manufacturing engineers and skilled trades workers.
“I love the hands-on aspect of the training. They teach the basics in the classroom, and then you are able to apply the learning in the lab and, ultimately, in a plant environment,” said DeMott. “That’s the best way for me to learn.”
To prepare himself for future career moves, DeMott currently pursuing his MBA with a concentration in data analytics from the University of Southern Indiana through GM’s STAP Program. STAP offers salaried employees job-related, graduate-level certificates and degrees from top-ranked universities. Offered at no cost to employees other than for textbooks, software and transcripts, the program enables GM to keep its engineering base technically current and on the leading edge of innovation.
Building a future-ready workforce is a key business priority for GM. As products change and manufacturing processes evolve, the company is committed to supporting employees every step of the way.
