On February 5, 2025, a partnership between Gwinnett Technical College and Mazda North American Operations was born, and now the Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) program — the first of its kind in the state — will pave the way for future Mazda Senior Certified Technicians.
The combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience is critical in gaining proper insight for a potential job. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for students, recent graduates, and young adults to attain both the knowledge and skills required to embark on career paths. Fortunately, Mazda and Gwinnett Technical College’s collaboration has made it easier on local students seeking a career in the mechanical field. The MAST program “educates students, provides career training, and prepares graduates with the skills necessary to excel as technicians at Mazda dealerships.”
“Gwinnett Technical College’s Automotive Technology program is nationally recognized, accredited, and is considered one of the best programs of its kind in the country.” With only two years required to complete it, and a 100% job placement rate at the finish, local students are provided with a remarkable opportunity to achieve success within this field. Mazda’s involvement only benefits this already impressive program, since it allows “students [to] apprentice with senior technicians or Master Mazda Technicians at local dealerships, [so] when they graduate, they will have achieved the rank of Mazda Senior Technician.” Dr. Glen D. Cannon, the president of Gwinnett Technical College, says, “Anytime we have a global player that becomes part of our college, it is a tremendous achievement for our students and community… Mazda is a global leader, and when we can connect with global leaders with a sustainable, qualified workforce to help meet their workforce needs, everyone benefits.”
The timing of this opportunity is ideal seeing as how trade school attendance is becoming increasingly more common for young adults. This program will help “students gain an understanding of dealership systems and resources [as well as providing] direct connections with partnered Mazda dealerships for internships and jobs.” This not only sets students up for success within the workforce but provides an already widely acclaimed company to provide opportunities to individuals who are adequately prepared for the job.
For more information about Gwinnett Technical College’s Automotive Technology programs, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu.
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