19 Automotive Technician Trainees Graduate from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International - Engine Builder Magazine

19 Automotive Technician Trainees Graduate from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

The training program is modeled after Germany’s apprentice system and will be recognized as such by the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA).

Vance, AL — Nineteen trainees of the Automotive Technician Program at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), in Vance, AL recently graduated from the prestigious program.

The training program is modeled after Germany’s apprentice system and will be recognized as such by the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA).

“MBUSI’s Automotive Technician Program shows how the German-style apprenticeship programs can be one of the solutions toaddress the gap in skilled workforce in the U.S.,” said Martina Stellmaszek, President & CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South).

In 1993, MBUSI invested more than $300 million to build an assembly plant in Vance, AL. The total capital investment by 2015 will be $4.4 Billion. MBUSI, which has approx. 2,800 employees, has found maintaining a highly skilled labor force to be a continuous challenge in such a technologized work environment.

“Technology is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly more complex, which therefore requires more training and education. Particularly hard to find are candidates with a STEM background (science, technology, engineering, and math),” explained Stellmaszek. “As a result, more and more companies decide to train their employees “German-style” and frequently team up with technical colleges or experienced trade organizations like ours.”

How It Works
The German Dual Vocational Training System traditionally combines classroom and business, theory and practice, learning and working. The training usually lasts about three years during which time students will apply what they learn in class in a working environment. This type of training has been recognized worldwide as a highly effective model. In Germany, it results in one of the lowest youth unemployment rates (7.9%) among any industrialized nation in the world.

”For centuries German companies have provided comprehensive vocational training to ensure the development of a skilled workforce of tomorrow and it is very inspiring to see MBUSI continue this tradition here in the U.S.,” added Stellmaszek. “Training programs like this will most certainly have a positive impact on local economies and communities.”

The German Chambers of Commerce all over the world are the official representatives of industry and trade in their respective country and are, in this capacity, responsible for supporting the efforts of companies such as MBUSI.

You May Also Like

Toyota, TRD Launch GR Supra Jr. Roadster for NHRA Racing

Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) have unveiled the first-of-its-kind GR Supra Jr. Roadster set for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition. NHRA will establish a new Jr. Roadster class for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, although a launch date has yet to be set.  “The motivation behind developing the GR

Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) have unveiled the first-of-its-kind GR Supra Jr. Roadster set for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) competition. NHRA will establish a new Jr. Roadster class for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, although a launch date has yet to be set. 

IMS Hall of Fame to Induct Tim Cindric, Tony George

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum has announced the IMS Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Inductees Tim Cindric and Tony George. The inductees will be formally celebrated at a ceremony and dinner on Friday, May 26, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Related Articles – Legends Nitro Funny Cars Series Announces Nine Races for 2023

Legends Nitro Funny Cars Series Announces Nine Races for 2023

Officials with the Legends Nitro Funny Cars series have announced its schedule will feature nine events in 2023. Teams campaign Funny Cars fueled by Nitromethane with body styles from the 1960s and 1970s, ranging up to 1982 and older.  Related Articles – Discover Pro Tips & More at Drag Racing Sponsorship Summit – AAM Group Hires Jeff

Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Reps. to Prevent ICE Bans

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) has introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles

More Details Revealed for the Future of Auto Club Speedway

More details have been revealed about the recent sale of NASCAR’s Auto Club Speedway—the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. It was previously reported that NASCAR had sold 433 acres of the 522-acre site.  Related Articles – Chip Ganassi Racing Announces Women in Motorsports Internship Class – Race Winning Brands Adds Bob Cook Sales –

Other Posts

Liqui Moly Sponsors Formula 1 for Fifth Year

The German oil manufacturer, LIQUI MOLY, announced it will return to the “pinnacle of motorsport” with renewal for 2023 season of Formula 1 after signing a 1-year contract with the racing series. This will be the company’s fifth consecutive year sponsoring Formula 1. Related Articles – Liberty Engine Parts Hosts Tech & Skills Conference –

Liberty Engine Parts Hosts Tech & Skills Conference

AERA recently teamed up with Liberty Engine Parts to offer a regional Tech & Skills Conference on February 25th with presentations from several different aftermarket manufacturers and brands. Related Articles – MotorTrend’s 19th Annual Hot Rod Drag Week – BorgWarner Announces New Aftermarket Segment Spin-Off – Don Schumacher Motorsports Announces $10.5M Expansion The conference was

NASCAR Sells California’s Auto Club Speedway

According to published reports, NASCAR has sold land on the site of Auto Club Speedway, the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. Approximately 433 acres of the 522-acre site is said to have been sold to an unknown buyer at an undisclosed price. Reported plans include the demolition of the famed track, which

Sonoma Raceway Names Karen Davis VP, Marketing and Events

Officials with Sonoma Raceway—the road course and drag strip located in Sonoma, California and owned by Speedway Motorsports—have appointed NASCAR industry veteran Karen Davis as the vice president of Marketing and Events. Related Articles – WISSOTA Names New Director of Operations, Executive Assistant – NASCAR Announces New Campus Lab Program at Bethune-Cookman University – NASCAR