Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and J. Allen Automotive Group announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to establish a groundbreaking Automotive Technician Apprenticeship program.

The signing ceremony was held on July 11 at MGCCC’s Harrison County Campus Automotive Technology shop.

The new apprenticeship program is for students in the Automotive Technology program at MGCCC. This collaboration is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and valuable industry skills, preparing them for successful careers in the automotive industry.The apprenticeship program is set to launch this fall, offering students a unique blend of classroom instruction and practical, on-the-job training. By partnering with J. Allen Automotive Group, a leader in the automotive industry, MGCCC ensures that students receive high-quality education and mentorship from experienced professionals.

David Garcia is the first apprentice signed to the program.  He said he is excited to get started. “I hope to represent the program, MGCCC, and the Hispanic community undauntedly and I look forward to beginning this new chapter,” he said.

The agreement was signed by MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham and Jonathan Allen, CEO/President of J. Allen Automotive Group. Both leaders expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunities it will provide to students.

“This apprenticeship program represents a significant step forward in providing our students with the hands-on training, practical skills, and industry connections they need to thrive in their careers,” Graham said. “We are thrilled to partner with J. Allen Automotive Group to offer this exceptional opportunity.”

Jonathan Allen said the opportunity is a win-win situation for his company. “We at J. Allen Automotive are passionate about offering the very best to our customers so working with MGCCC, which offers the best training to those who are passionate about automotive technology, was a perfect match! We would like to let those individuals earn while they learn,” he said. “Ultimately, we all win!”