Chrysler Canada Ltd.’s Windsor Experiment: Benchmarking Against Global Best Practices

In undertaking the Windsor Experiment, Chrysler Canada is facing up to the realities of youth unemployment and industry’s need for highly skilled and flexible workers.

Document Highlights

In 1995, Chrysler Canada Ltd. launched a series of benchmarking initiatives called the Windsor Experiment.

Its purpose was two-fold:

1. to identify best practices in apprenticeship training and programs; and
2. to explore joint research and development ventures involving the close collaboration of industry, college and university and government partners to increase the number of qualified Canadians who can fill the large number of job vacancies in the automotive industry.

This case study looks at the:

• objectives of the program;
• activities;
• resources required;
• achievements;
• benefits;
• keys to success; and
• greatest challenge.