Oklahoma City is revving up its automotive education sector thanks to an exciting new partnership. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz USA to significantly enhance its Automotive Technician Internship Program (ATIP). This collaboration means aspiring automotive technicians in Oklahoma City will now have direct access to Mercedes-Benz specific training and certifications, setting them on a fast track to careers within the luxury automotive brand.
Starting in the spring of 2024, the OCCC’s ATIP curriculum will integrate Mercedes-Benz factory-backed training. Students enrolling in the program will gain invaluable skills and knowledge tailored to the sophisticated engineering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This specialized curriculum is designed to equip students with the precise expertise required to excel in Mercedes-Benz service centers right here in Oklahoma City and beyond. Graduates will emerge with Mercedes-Benz certifications, highly valued credentials that immediately boost their employability in the competitive automotive service industry.
Brad Walker, department chair for automotive technology at OCCC, highlighted the breadth of the program’s offerings. “With the addition of Mercedes-Benz, our program expands to encompass training across seven major manufacturers, covering an impressive 14 brands,” Walker stated. He emphasized the crucial role of OCCC in addressing the growing demand for skilled automotive technicians, ensuring local Oklahoma City Mercedes-Benz dealerships and service centers have access to a pipeline of qualified professionals.
OCCC’s comprehensive ATIP already includes training for General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac), Honda (Honda and Acura), Nissan (Nissan and Infiniti), Toyota (Toyota and Lexus), Hyundai (Hyundai and Genesis), and Subaru. The program is structured for maximum student convenience, offering both day and night classes with flexible enrollment options throughout the year. The curriculum blends classroom learning with extensive hands-on lab experiences. A key component is the requirement for students to gain practical, on-the-job training at various automotive businesses, including independent shops, franchise dealerships, fleet service centers, and dealerships, providing real-world experience essential for their future careers.
John Claybon, OCCC dean of business and information technology, underscored the college’s commitment to workforce development. “Oklahoma City Community College is proactively responding to the increasing need for a skilled workforce in the automotive technology sector,” Claybon noted. He pointed to OCCC’s accessible and affordable programs, delivered by expert instructors using cutting-edge equipment and facilities, as key factors in preparing students for successful and rewarding careers in the automotive industry, particularly within brands like Mercedes-Benz in Oklahoma City.
For those in Oklahoma City passionate about cars and seeking a rewarding and in-demand career, the enhanced Automotive Technician Internship Program at OCCC, now featuring Mercedes-Benz certification, offers an exceptional pathway to success. This partnership not only elevates automotive education in Oklahoma City but also strengthens the local automotive service industry by producing highly skilled and certified technicians ready to work on premium vehicles like Mercedes-Benz.
