What Service Managers Need to Know About Hiring Our Graduates
Mercedes-Benz factory-trained technicians. Zero cost to your dealership.
Built in partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, U.S. Department of Labor, Clearfield Job Corps Center, and UAW-LETC
100%
of inaugural graduates received job offers from MB dealerships
18 Weeks
of intensive, specialized Mercedes-Benz training
15
instructor-led Mercedes-Benz factory courses
$0
cost to hiring dealerships, fully federally funded
Mercedes-Benz DRIVE Job Corps (MB DRIVE JC)
The Mercedes-Benz DRIVE Job Corps program at Clearfield produces entry-level technicians who are prepared to integrate into a dealership environment safely, professionally, and effectively.
Our program is built in partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, the U.S. Department of Labor, Clearfield Job Corps Center, and UAW-LETC. Students are carefully screened, intensively trained, and evaluated before graduation. Each cohort is limited to six students, ensuring close supervision and consistent standards. Our program is rigorous, and not all candidates make it to graduation.
Below are direct answers to the questions most service managers ask before hiring a new technician.
(These two former students are now employed at Mercedes-Benz Van Center - Warner and Mercedes-Benz of Tucson)
What's In It for Your Dealership
Same credentials, plus more
Graduates hold the same qualifications as all other MB Drive programs (minus Telematics), plus the additional Gen-3 High Voltage Qualification for PLUG-IN HYBRID Series-Gen 3 (X0015F-US.TT4) with manual power-down.
Save $14,500 immediately
Other MB Drive programs typically cost dealerships approximately $14,500 per graduate. MB Drive JC graduates cost your dealership $0.
Up to $87,000 in equivalent training value
Per the MB Drive: Mentoring for Success e-learning (X0001E-US.STB): "Academy training equivalent to MB Drive is over six times more than the current cost of a MB Drive graduate." That is $14,500 x 6 = $87,000. When viewed from this lens, offering relocation assistance for the right candidate seems very affordable.
Mentoring is a mutual investment
Strong mentoring increases the chances of the graduate making your dealership their long-term home. A supportive start helps them grow into a dependable, productive asset. MB Drive graduates are ready and eager to continue learning. Mentoring by your most knowledgeable technicians shares valuable best practices and reduces the chances of them picking up bad habits. What better way to continue your service department's record of excellence?
An Honest Note About Shop Experience
These graduates bring strong knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors, but they do not yet have production shop experience. No matter the industry, the transition from training to a production environment is challenging. Good mentoring and coaching significantly improves outcomes for both the dealership and the graduate, in the short, mid, and long term.
We strongly recommend all hiring managers complete the GTLS e-learning course MB Drive: Mentoring for Success (X0001E-US.STB) before the graduate's start date. It provides structured guidance for onboarding MB Drive graduates and sets both parties up for success.
Can this graduate produce billable hours quickly?
Not immediately, and this is by design.
For the best outcomes for both the dealership and the graduate, new hires should be mentored by an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician following the best practices outlined in the GTLS e-learning course MB Drive: Mentoring for Success (X0001E-US.STB). We strongly recommend all hiring managers complete this module before the graduate's start date.
Graduates are trained in dealership procedures, safety, documentation, and service fundamentals. With proper mentoring, they transition into productive technicians efficiently and with fewer bad habits than candidates who receive little structured guidance.
Dealerships that follow the recommended mentoring process typically see strong long-term retention and skill development.
These former students are now employed at Mercedes-Benz Van Center - Warner, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach and Mercedes-Benz of Tucson
How much supervision will they require?
Minimal direct supervision.
Graduates do not require constant oversight. They are trained to work independently within defined procedures, to use factory resources such as WIS and XENTRY Diagnosis, and to escalate appropriately when needed.
What they benefit from is mentoring and guidance from a qualified technician, not micromanagement. This approach mirrors how Mercedes-Benz expects new technicians to develop within dealership environments.
Are they safe around customer vehicles and equipment?
Yes.
Safety is a core requirement for advancement through the program. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate best practices for safe work habits. Training includes shop safety, vehicle protection procedures, proper lifting techniques, and responsible tool use.
Graduates are accustomed to working under supervision in environments where vehicle damage or injury is unacceptable.
Will they show up consistently and act professionally?
Yes.
Attendance, punctuality, and professionalism are evaluated continuously throughout training. Students demonstrate these qualities and maintain the set standards or risk removal before graduation.
Students develop workplace habits such as arriving prepared, maintaining organized work areas, following instructions, and communicating effectively with instructors and peers. These behaviors carry directly into dealership employment.
This former student is now employed at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster
Can they perform entry-level service tasks immediately?
Yes.
The program emphasizes the real work assigned to new technicians. Graduates have hands-on experience performing tasks such as:
- Scheduled maintenance services
- Brake repairs
- Inspections and basic diagnostics
- Documentation of repair orders
- Use of Use of manufacturer service information systems and diagnostic tools, such as WIS, StarTek NG, DWD, Tips Reader and XENTRY Diagnosis
Students complete timed repair orders and produce technician notes that are reviewed for accuracy and completeness. This prepares them for the workflow of a dealership service department.
How do MB DRIVE JC graduates compare to typical tech school graduates?
MB DRIVE JC graduates are generally better prepared for dealership work.
The result is a candidate who understands both how to perform the work and how to function within a professional shop environment.
These students are now employed at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, Sun Motor Cars Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield
What credentials do they have?
Graduates complete the ASE Education Foundation Automotive Service Technician (AST) task list and receive Mercedes-Benz specific training and certifications.
Clearfield's program also includes High Voltage Qualification for Plug-In Hybrid Series Generation 3 with manual power-down procedures (X0015F-US.TT4), preparing technicians to work safely on modern electrified vehicles.
What does it cost the dealership to hire one?
$0
Nothing.
Unlike many training pathways that require dealerships to invest significant funds in technician development, MB DRIVE JC graduates can be hired at no training cost to the dealer.
Other MB Drive programs typically cost dealerships approximately $14,500 per graduate. According to the MB Drive: Mentoring for Success e-learning (X0001E-US.STB), "Academy training equivalent to MB Drive is over six times more than the current cost of a MB Drive graduate." That is $14,500 x 6 = $87,000.
When viewed from this lens, offering relocation assistance for the right candidate seems very affordable.
Why Dealerships Choose MB DRIVE JC Graduates
Dealers consistently report that they value graduates who are:
- 1Pre-screened for reliability and professionalism
- 2Safe and responsible in a shop environment
- 3Comfortable with manufacturer procedures and systems
- 4Ready to learn and accept mentorship
- 5Motivated to build a long-term career with Mercedes-Benz
Our goal is not just to produce technicians who can pass tests, but professionals who can succeed in a real dealership environment.
Ready to Hire?
Contact us to learn more about our graduates and the hiring process. There is no cost and no obligation.
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