The industrywide effort to get more young people in automotive technician jobs just got a boost.
Mercedes-Benz USA is partnering with Job Corps, the nation’s largest job training and education program, to train the next generation of techs, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday.
CCC Intelligent Solutions’ 2022 Crash Course report said there will be 100,000 technician job openings over the next decade or so.
Mercedes-Benz USA will build the curriculum, train Job Corps instructors to deliver it, provide technical support and donate any materials, tools and equipment needed. The training of 16- to 24-year-olds will take place at Job Corps centers in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Utah to start.
“This initiative will equip students with the skills they need for good jobs today and careers in the emerging energy economies of tomorrow,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
The program’s goal is to produce well-trained technicians to fill service jobs, including potential employment with Mercedes-Benz. Instruction will include repair and maintenance of electric vehicles.
“This training program is an ideal entry point for students who want to become professionals in the automotive industry,” said Job Corps National Director Rachel Torres, “especially aspiring electric vehicle mechanics.”
