Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is revving up its Automotive Technician Internship Program (ATIP) through a groundbreaking partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, bringing cutting-edge, manufacturer-specific training directly to Oklahoma City. Starting in the spring of 2024, this collaboration will embed Mercedes-Benz curriculum into OCCC’s renowned ATIP, empowering students to earn coveted Mercedes-Benz factory certifications. This initiative ensures graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to excel in Mercedes-Benz service centers right here in OKC and beyond.
“The integration of Mercedes-Benz into our program expands our training capabilities to an impressive seven manufacturers, encompassing 14 distinct brands,” stated Brad Walker, the Department Chair for Automotive Technology at OCCC. This expansion underscores OCCC’s commitment to meeting the ever-growing demand for highly skilled automotive technicians in the region. The program already boasts comprehensive training across a wide spectrum of manufacturers, 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 OKC further solidifies OCCC’s position as a leading automotive technology training provider in Oklahoma.
OCCC’s ATIP distinguishes itself with its flexible enrollment, welcoming students at any point throughout the academic year. With both day and night classes available, the program caters to diverse student schedules. The curriculum’s strength lies in its emphasis on hands-on learning, combining classroom instruction with extensive lab experiences. Crucially, students gain real-world experience through mandatory on-the-job training at independent shops, franchises, fleet service centers, or dealerships. This practical component is vital for developing job-ready skills sought after by employers, especially within the Mercedes-Benz OKC network.
“Oklahoma City Community College is proactively addressing the critical need for a skilled workforce within the automotive technology sector,” emphasized John Claybon, OCCC Dean of Business and Information Technology. “We are proud to offer accessible and affordable programs, delivered by expert instructors utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. This Mercedes-Benz OKC partnership is a testament to our dedication to providing top-tier education that directly translates to career success for our students and strengthens our local automotive industry.”
Oklahoma City Community College, since its establishment in 1972, has been a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City metro area, dedicated to student empowerment and community enrichment. Serving over 18,000 students, OCCC offers more than 87 degree and certificate programs, all geared towards fostering leadership and career readiness. Driven by the mission of “Student Success, Community Enrichment,” OCCC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, ensuring students are equipped to achieve their personal and professional aspirations within the automotive field and beyond.
