Many auto mechanics probably got their start under the hood of the family car performing simple tasks like changing the oil or replacing windshield wipers or air filters. But today’s technology-enhanced vehicles require much more expertise.
Parking assistance, syncing stereos and navigation systems to cellphones and alerting drivers to hazards nearby are features that didn’t exist a decade or so ago. That’s why several automotive companies are partnering with high schools and technical colleges to train the next generation.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the newest to launch such a program. The company was at Gwinnett County’s Maxwell High School of Technology last week to begin its partnership with that school.
“We’re looking in our own backyard to find students who are interested in cars and turn that passion into a lucrative career,” said Mercedes technician recruitment program specialist Michelle Ahima.
With its North American headquarters about 20 miles away in Sandy Springs, it took little effort to bring the new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV and an E-Class Coupe to the high school campus.
But before the students got their hands on the high-performance machines, a tutorial on how some of the technology works was in order. The cars include driver assistance systems to detect drowsiness and inattention, monitor speed and help with braking and maintaining an optimum headlight distribution.
“How you calibrate the cameras has an effect on how well the systems work,” said Eric Paige, Mercedes-Benz USA technician development specialist.
As he demonstrated how the different systems align with each other, several dozen heads nodded as the students hung on his every word.
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Senior Yael Valadez has plans to become a diesel mechanic, but junior Miguel Loza said he’s keeping his options open. Neither had plans to attend a four-year college, but they are optimistic that they can make a great living doing something they love.
“I don’t know if I’d want to be stuck in an office,” said Miguel. “But I won’t have to if I keep this up.” He pointed to a diagnostic program on a computer. To the untrained eye, it looked like a random batch of terms, but the students breezed through the entire list and smiled.
“I don’t have a college degree,” said Maxwell High automotive instructor Max Chavez. “I started working on cars when I was 17 and by the time I was 24, I was a master technician making six figures.”
Chavez has been at Maxwell for 9 years and said he loves coming to work every day.
“I see myself in these kids,” he said. “This is such a fantastic program that if they work hard, they’ll be a few years closer to becoming a master technician by the time they graduate.”
There’s a great demand for technicians, and it will remain in the foreseeable future, said Ahima.
“There is a huge shortage for technicians across the board, not just Mercedes-Benz,” she said. “We’re targeting metro Atlanta schools so we can do our part to get them in to these programs early.”
The students were even taken for a ride in the E-Class and shown how the parking assist feature works.
“It’s really cool to get under the hood and inside something new,” said Valadez. The school has a few dozen donated cars the students work on, but none have the up-to-the-minute technology they saw that day.
Chavez was overjoyed to add another manufacturer to Ford and Subaru, who have already provided the school with specialized mechanics training.
Just about every student who walks out of here is guaranteed a job — especially those who are computer savvy.
Chavez said one of his students currently working at a dealership was offered a job before graduation.
“They need people who can help customers set up all those apps and other gadgets,” he said. “That’s a perfect fit for these young kids.”
But technical ability isn’t all the students will need, and they can’t all start at the top.
“Like just about every other job today, we look closely at soft skills,” said A.J. Klemczak, talent development and retention program manager referring to habits such as punctuality, working well with others and taking initiative. “Those entry-level jobs are kind of an audition to see if you can show up on time, exceed expectations, volunteer for tough jobs.”
Chavez nodded.
“That’s the biggest lesson I try to teach besides the actual mechanic skills.”
