MESA, Arizona – Oct. 16, 2025 – Mesa Community College has partnered with Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) to add innovative factory level training to the college’s automotive curriculum, giving students hands-on access to the latest Mazda technology, vehicles and service practices.

Launched for the Fall 2025 semester at the Southern and Dobson Campus, the new Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) program provides automotive career training and prepares students for in-demand roles in the automotive industry, said Steve Skroch, MCC Automotive Service program director. “It means they’ll graduate with manufacturer-specific training that sets them apart in the job market and prepares them to step directly into dealership and industry roles with confidence.”

The MAST program offers students a blend of online, classroom, and hands-on instruction on proprietary systems, diagnostics, emissions technologies and other advanced vehicle features exclusive to Mazda’s lineup.

MNAO not only provides the school with new vehicles every year, but also supplies training resources, service information and technical support, at no cost to MCC, to help align classroom instruction with real-world dealership practices. “This ensures students are learning directly from the same materials used by professional Mazda technicians,” Skroch added.

Also at no cost to MCC is Mazda factory training for the college’s automotive instructors for certification to teach at the manufacturer level. Two instructors have completed the training and are certified. Three other instructors are currently enrolled in Mazda’s instructor training program.

MCC is among a select group of institutions nationwide chosen by MNAO to offer the MAST program. Its selection was based on the college’s strong track record in automotive education, reputation for preparing workforce-ready graduates and long-standing relationships with local dealerships and industry partners, Skroch explained.

“Other factors include our Automotive Service program which is Master Level Certified by the ASE Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that ensures the quality of automotive technician training programs. This designation was a key factor in Mazda’s decision to partner with us.

“In addition, Jimmy Powell, corporate fixed operations director at Horne Auto Group of Mesa, personally recommended MCC’s ASE program, further solidifying the college’s selection for this opportunity,” he noted.

Synonymous with the college’s mission to provide a quality education to students, the new program “strengthens our role as a pipeline for highly skilled technicians, enhances our partnerships with industry, and ensures our students are learning on the same equipment and systems they’ll see in the field,” Skroch continued.

The demand for skilled automotive technicians, especially those trained on Mazda’s advanced technologies, is exceptionally strong both locally and nationwide. With the growing complexity of modern vehicles, service departments urgently need well-trained professionals who can diagnose and repair advanced systems, he explained. “For students, this means a wide range of career opportunities with excellent pay and job security.”

For information, visit the MCC website.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.