Ford recently revealed that the company is expanding its Technician Training curriculum and adding locations designed to increase the number of specially trained automotive technicians in an evolving field that now includes electric vehicles.
The new training program expansion, called Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET), is a collaboration between Ford, Ford and Lincoln dealerships, and particular community colleges and technical schools. This update ultimately gives Ford and Lincoln dealerships and their customers skilled technicians who are highly trained in updated Ford service technologies and diagnostic and repair techniques. In higher education specifically, the three new Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) programs begin in 2022 at Pima Community College, Wake Technical College, and Gwinnett Technical College.
With even more updates to show, Ford is also introducing a Mobile Service Technician Certification to the ASSET curriculum. This certification is a way for students to earn sponsorships at one of the 300+ dealers in the U.S. currently utilizing Mobile Service Fleets. The Mobile Service Technician Certification education route enhances students' Maintenance and Light Repair knowledge and performance early in the program timeline, on their way to becoming more comfortable with larger repairs, working to become an A-level technician and ASSET graduate.
“My experience with ASSET been great,” says Josh Lilley, an ASSET student at Five Star Ford in Dallas, Texas. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve been tinkering on my dad’s first-generation Bronco. I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone pursuing an automotive career at the dealership. It’s such a great program, especially if you don’t know anything, they’ll sit you down and help you grow those skills. I learned a lot more than I ever thought I would need or know.”
Across a two-year education timeline, an ASSET student can earn up to 100% of Ford’s Service Technician Specialty Training (STST) credentials, including an associate degree in Automotive Technology and even a one-year of work experience at a Ford or Lincoln dealership. ASSET graduates also can achieve Ford's High Voltage Systems Certification, in addition to the 12 certifications the program already offers.