DOL and Mercedes-Benz team up to train the next generation of auto workers

This Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor revealed a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz USA to train and equip future auto workers for their careers in the industry.

The partnership will provide participants in the department’s Job Corps program with an auto technician curriculum designed by Mercedes-Benz, who will also supply tools and other resources. For now the classes will be taught at campuses in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Utah.

Job Corps is a long running residential career training initiative available to students aged 16 to 24, which offers vocational and academic education opportunities to help young adults break into their career of choice. The program’s National Director Rachel Torres called the new auto technician classes “an ideal entry point” for future auto workers. “Having Mercedes-Benz train our Job Corps students is a great example of the public and private sectors working together…” she concluded.

The auto technician program will also cover emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, which are expected to become a dominant force in the coming decades. Although EVs often need less maintenance, many experts believe fixed operations will continue to be a vital source of revenue for dealerships and repair shops well into the future. “This initiative will equip students with the skills they need for good jobs today and careers in the emerging energy economics of tomorrow,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.

The partnership highlights a subtle but growing concern over the auto industry’s readiness for a technologically advanced future. Many auto workers are unable to keep up with innovations in vehicles, and as consumer demand for better features, more sustainability and increased connectivity grow these professionals will need to better access to up-to-date education. As time goes on, more automakers may take Mercedes-Benz’s lead with more programs to prepare employees for a technological transformation.

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