CLEARFIELD, Utah (Dec. 16, 2024) – The Clearfield Job Corps Center, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), celebrated the graduation of six students from the inaugural cohort of the Mercedes-Benz technician training program, MB Drive JC, on Friday, Dec. 13.  

“The MB Drive JC program is an example of how Job Corps continues to prepare young people for high-demand careers through innovative training and strong partnerships with industry leaders,” said Job Corps National Director John E. Hall. “This first cohort of the MB Drive JC program exemplifies the strength of our partnerships with leading employers like MBUSA, and we are proud to help these students take the next step in their promising careers.”

Graduating students Gary Harber III, Joseph Messerschmidt, Isaac Richardson, Alex Roche, Ah Dray Yiou and Bryan Zornes received certificates of completion and branded jackets during the ceremony, symbolizing their readiness to launch careers as Qualified System Technicians. After successfully completing the Job Corps automotive program, each student completed 13 weeks of Mercedes-Benz specialized training focused on diagnosing, repairing and replacing automobile parts, along with resolving mechanical and electrical issues.

“Mercedes-Benz is incredibly excited about what these students have accomplished through our partnership training program with Job Corps,” said MBUSA’s Jason Fullman, Director of Customer Excellence. “By partnering with Job Corps, we have the unique opportunity to engage directly with a pool of highly trained and passionate automotive students who are ready to launch their careers with Mercedes-Benz, while providing a pipeline of talent to our dealer network.”

As part of the program, students identified their top six preferred Mercedes-Benz dealerships, and Job Corps Career Transition Services staff coordinated interviews to help match them with opportunities. During the Thanksgiving break, each graduate participated in at least two interviews, with 100% of students already receiving job offers with Mercedes-Benz franchised dealers.

The MB Drive JC program placement process was developed by Job Corps’ Career Technical Training Team, Clearfield Job Corps Center staff and MBUSA. The program is part of Job Corps’ broader initiative to partner with leading employers and equip students with skills and certifications that meet industry needs. The program is the first step toward becoming a Master Technician and represents a significant opportunity for Job Corps students to build rewarding careers. Job Corps employer partnerships involve tailoring the training curriculum to meet the specific needs of the employer partner.

To learn more about the Clearfield Job Corps Center and the MB Drive JC program, visit clearfield.jobcorps.gov and techcareers.mbusa.com/MB_DRIVE.