To help meet the need for auto technicians in the growing electric vehicle industry, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a national partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA to train Job Corps students initially at centers in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Utah for automotive industry careers.
The agreement between the global automaker and the nation’s largest job training and education program will enable Mercedes-Benz USA to develop the curriculum, train Job Corps instructors to deliver it, provide technical support and donate materials, tools and equipment needed to educate the students.
The public-private partnership is designed to create pathways for students from 16 to 24 years of age toward good-paying jobs as auto technicians, including potential employment with Mercedes-Benz.
“Job Corps’ partnership with Mercedes-Benz reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to expanding and strengthening training opportunities for our next generation of working Americans,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “This initiative will equip students with the skills they need for good jobs today and careers in the emerging energy economies of tomorrow.”
Job Corps will now offer students opportunities to study high-voltage and electric vehicles, and training opportunities with high-voltage vehicles at the following campuses: Earle C. Clements Job Corps in Morganfield, Kentucky; Westover Job Corps in Chicopee, Massachusetts; Edison Job Corps in Edison, New Jersey; and Clearfield Job Corps in Clearfield, Utah.
“This training program is an ideal entry point for students who want to become professionals in the automotive industry, especially aspiring electric vehicle mechanics,” said Job Corps National Director Rachel Torres. “Having Mercedes-Benz train our Job Corps students is a great example of the public and private sectors working together to prepare students for careers and provide companies with skilled workers.”
Established in 1965, Mercedes-Benz USA is headquartered in Atlanta and is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the U.S. The company employs about 1,600 people at its U.S. manufacturing, distribution, testing and other locations. The company also has 383 associated dealerships in the U.S. selling its model line of 16 vehicles.
Founded in 1964, Job Corps is the nation’s largest job training and education program. Mostly a residential program in urban and rural areas, it provides students from 16 to 24 years of age with vocational training and academic experiences to increase opportunities towards gainful employment and career pathways. Job Corps offers career technical skills training in 10 high-growth industry sectors, including welding, information technology, hospitality, health care and automotive repair at no cost to students.
The Job Corps network currently has 121 centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
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