Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is revving up its Automotive Technician Internship Program (ATIP) through a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, bringing specialized, manufacturer-backed training to aspiring technicians in the heart of Oklahoma City. This collaboration, launched in Spring 2024, is set to embed Mercedes-Benz specific curriculum within OCCC’s established ATIP framework, providing students with invaluable certifications directly from the factory. For those seeking a career working on luxury vehicles right here in OKC, Mercedes training is now more accessible than ever.
Brad Walker, the Department Chair for Automotive Technology at OCCC, highlighted the significance of this addition. “Incorporating Mercedes-Benz into our program elevates our offerings to a total of seven manufacturers, encompassing 14 distinct brands,” Walker stated. “This expansion directly addresses the growing demand within the automotive sector for highly skilled technicians.” This means students in the OKC area now have even greater access to diverse and comprehensive automotive training, making them highly competitive in the job market.
OCCC’s ATIP program already boasts an impressive roster of manufacturer partnerships, including 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 addition of Mercedes-Benz further solidifies OCCC’s position as a leading training ground for automotive professionals in the region. This broad spectrum of brand-specific training ensures graduates are well-prepared to service a wide range of vehicles, from domestic to import, and now including the prestigious Mercedes-Benz.
The flexible nature of OCCC’s ATIP program remains a key advantage for students. With enrollment open year-round and both day and night classes available, the program is designed to accommodate various schedules and learning preferences. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in state-of-the-art labs, complemented by a mandatory on-the-job training component. Students gain real-world experience working in independent shops, franchises, fleet service centers, or dealerships, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. This blended approach ensures graduates are not only theoretically knowledgeable but also practically proficient in automotive repair and maintenance, especially now with specialized Mercedes-Benz skills for those focusing on luxury auto service in OKC.
John Claybon, OCCC Dean of Business and Information Technology, emphasized the college’s commitment to workforce development. “Oklahoma City Community College is proactively responding to the automotive technology industry’s need for skilled professionals,” Claybon explained. “We are proud to offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality programs, delivered by expert instructors using cutting-edge equipment and facilities.” For individuals in and around OKC looking to enter the automotive field or advance their skills, OCCC provides a valuable pathway to a rewarding career, now enhanced by the prestige and demand of Mercedes-Benz expertise.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its founding in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has stood as a cornerstone of the OKC metro area, dedicated to empowering students and strengthening the local community. Serving over 18,000 students annually, OCCC is committed to cultivating future leaders. With a mission focused on “Student Success, Community Enrichment,” the college offers more than 87 degree and certificate programs designed to provide a strong foundation for further academic pursuits or immediate career entry. OCCC remains dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that enables students to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. More than just an educational institution, OCCC serves as a vital community catalyst, driving growth and success within Oklahoma City, its workforce, and the lives of its students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is the college’s primary focus.
