Wallace State graduate Rick Wilkerson earns full-time employment at Mercedes-Benz USA after completing Tech program
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State graduate Rick Wilkerson is the first individual to
earn a full-time job at Mercedes-Benz USA as a product of the college’s Mercedes-Benz
Tech Co-Op program.
Wilkerson began his full-time position at Mercedes-Benz on Oct. 4. He was among the
inaugural cohort of Wallace State students to enroll in the Mercedes-Benz Tech program
in 2019.
“We’re excited for Rick and look forward to seeing him enjoy a successful and long
career with Mercedes-Benz. I love watching student success stories, and Rick has been
among the leaders in the program. It’s a positive for our Mercedes-Benz Tech program
and for Wallace State,” said Steve Colburn, Workforce Development Administrator and
Student Training Program coordinator at Mercedes-Benz.
Through the Mercedes-Benz Tech Co-Op program, students enrolled in Wallace State’s
Advanced Automotive Technology, complete coursework on campus each semester, while
also working full-time at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, earning pay and college
course credit simultaneously. Students work at the facility as apprentices. Tuition
assistance is provided to students based upon their current GPA’s and their eligible
for full-time employment with the company upon completion of the program.
Wilkerson made a positive, early impression in the program, being named the inaugural
Wallace State Mercedes Co-Op 2019-2020 Student of the Year. He’s flourished with the
company ever since.
“We’re so proud of Rick. He’s a hard worker and was dedicated to the program and the
job from the first day. He was our inaugural Student of the Year for a reason,” said
Jamie Blackmon, Wallace State’s Director for the Center for Career and Workforce Development.
“I can’t wait to see what Rick’s future holds at Mercedes-Benz. It’s definitely something
for Wallace State to celebrate.”
Added Colburn: “Rick connected all the dots during the program’s journey. He worked
hard, maintained a solid GPA and earned an education. It’s a great message to send
to others. If you join a program like this and do what you’re supposed to do, a career
will be waiting on you as the result.”
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu
###id="attachment_18264" align="alignnone" width="300"
Rick Wilkerson, left, is the first Wallace State student to earn full-time employment
at Mercedes-Benz USA through the Tech program, which is available to the college’s
Advanced Automotive Technology students.id="attachment_18265" align="alignnone" width="225"
Rick Wilkerson, left, is the first Wallace State student to earn full-time employment
at Mercedes-Benz USA through the Tech program, which is available to the college’s
Advanced Automotive Technology students.______________________________
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