Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has announced an exciting new partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, set to significantly enhance automotive service technician training in the region. Starting in the spring of 2024, OCCC will integrate a specialized Mercedes-Benz curriculum into its well-regarded Automotive Technician Internship Program (ATIP). This strategic move will enable students to gain valuable Mercedes-Benz factory-specific certifications, directly preparing them for successful careers within Mercedes-Benz service centers throughout Oklahoma City and beyond.
Brad Walker, department chair for automotive technology at OCCC, highlighted the importance of this new collaboration: “The addition of Mercedes-Benz to our program is a significant step forward. We now proudly offer training across seven major manufacturers, encompassing 14 distinct brands. This expansion directly addresses the growing demand within the automotive industry for highly skilled and specialized technicians.”
OCCC’s ATIP program already boasts partnerships with an impressive roster of manufacturers, ensuring comprehensive training across a wide range of automotive brands. These include: 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 inclusion of Mercedes-Benz further solidifies OCCC’s position as a leading automotive training institution in Oklahoma City.
The ATIP program at OCCC is designed for maximum student flexibility, allowing enrollment at any point during the academic year. With both day and night classes available, the program caters to diverse student schedules. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, combining classroom instruction with extensive lab experiences. A crucial component of the program requires students to gain practical, real-world experience through on-the-job training at independent shops, franchises, fleet shops, or dealerships. This blended approach ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also possess the practical skills demanded by the automotive industry.
John Claybon, OCCC dean of business and information technology, emphasized the college’s commitment to workforce development: “Oklahoma City Community College is dedicated to proactively meeting the evolving needs of the automotive technology industry. We provide accessible and affordable programs, delivered by expert instructors utilizing cutting-edge equipment and facilities. This partnership with Mercedes-Benz further exemplifies our commitment to providing students with pathways to successful and fulfilling careers in Oklahoma City and the wider automotive sector.”
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has played a vital role in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, focusing on empowering students and strengthening local communities. Serving over 18,000 students, OCCC is committed to developing future leaders. Guided by the mission of “Student Success, Community Enrichment,” the college offers more than 87 degree and certificate programs, providing students with a strong foundation for further education or immediate entry into the workforce. OCCC remains dedicated to offering accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, enabling students to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. OCCC is more than just an educational institution; it is a community partner, driving growth and success within Oklahoma City, the regional workforce, and the lives of its students.
