By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Two Shelby County High School students have been accepted into the 2019 Mercedes Technician Program at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.

A signing ceremony was held for Michael Lansford and Christopher Smith, both seniors at SCHS, on Wednesday, March 13.

“For us and for me, this event is very special,” Steve Colburn with the Mercedes Tech Program said to the students’ family members in attendance. “The potential for long-lasting careers is right here. It’s good stuff, and I’m glad I could be here.”

According to its website, the Mercedes Tech Program is designed to teach courses related to automotive technology and prepare students for potential careers as Mercedes repair technicians in the company’s production facility. Successful completion of the program can result in career opportunities, such as vehicle repair technician, production team member, team leader or group leader in one of the assembly production areas.

“It’s amazing to see the success we’ve had with this program,” Colburn said. “I’m glad we have a good, strong partnership with Shelton State.”

Jason Moore, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Shelton State, described Mercedes as a company “that’s always growing and always expanding.”

“You have the potential to grow with this company,” Moore told Lansford and Smith. “I will see you at orientation this fall.”

Five students who are currently in the program introduced themselves during the ceremony and shared comments about their experiences.

“The main thing is to see every student be successful,” Colburn said. “I want to see all of them be successful. They really represent the program well.”