More than 450 students from 17 area high schools visited the OCC Auto Lab this month to explore careers in the automotive industry, learn about educational opportunities and meet with potential employers.
The career fair, sponsored by OCC's automotive training, Automotive Technology and Collision and Repair programs and the Collision and Repair Education Foundation (CREF), featured 20 employers on-site providing information to students about careers in the automotive industry and recruiting for potential employment.
“The importance of this type of event is not just the exposure of students to prospective
employers, but it helps us develop relationships with these employers to foster internships,
apprenticeships and ultimately employment for our students,” said Donna DuHame-Schmidt,
director of Career Services and Cooperative Education.
DuHame-Schmidt said that one of the employer participants in the event, Mercedes-Benz, is in the process of developing a program that would allow OCC students to participate in internships at local Mercedes dealerships.
“Mercedes-Benz would also supply OCC with a vehicle to be utilized in the automotive lab for teaching purposes as part of this program,” she added.
Other event exhibits included Service King; Mercedes Benz of Novi/Bloomfield Hills; Enterprise; BASF; Manheim; Hertz; iCAR; Gerber Collision and Glass; Painters Supply and Equipment; Bar's Products; Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation; Consulab; and Fiat Chrysler of America.
In addition to networking with the companies at the CREF event, students got a first-hand opportunity to talk with OCC’s automotive faculty regarding the programs and a tour of the College's automotive training facilities which included a paint booth spray-painting and welding demonstration in the new labs. Forty five current OCC automotive students were also at the event to network with employers.
About OCC
With multi campus system in Oakland County, OCC is Michigan’s number one transfer institution, offering nearly 100 excellent degrees and certificates. The College empowers academic and developmental experiences, allowing students to reach their full potential and enhance the communities they serve. More than a million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu