• Business

Investments Worth $2 Million Made by Ford For Training Auto Technicians

Ford Dealers and Ford Fund are making a significant investment of over $2 million in a scholarship that spans ten regions. This transformative scholarship is specifically designed to uplift and support fresh graduates and college students who are passionate about pursuing careers as automotive technicians. The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is a beacon of hope, available to students from 292 schools across 20 states. It aims to grant 400 need-based scholarships to those currently enrolled or planning to enrol in post-secondary auto programs, paving the way for a brighter future.

The automotive industry is currently facing a significant shortage of skilled technicians, with over 400K technicians needed in the next 3-4 years. In its second year, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is not just a financial aid but a comprehensive support system. It is paving the way for rewarding, well-paying careers in an industry that is rapidly advancing towards electrification and software integration. The scholarship is open to all individuals seeking automotive technology degrees or certificates across the ten identified regions. It covers all education-related costs, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation. Moreover, Ford Dealers across every region will be a crucial support system, providing advice, onsite training, and career guidance during the educational journey and career transition. This support ensures the students’ success, making them feel secure and guided in their career path.

Ford has started partnering with TechForce, which will grant each student $5K as financial assistance for education and training in auto and auto/diesel across various accredited institutions. The success stories of previous scholarship recipients are a testament to the transformative power of this scholarship. A student recipient from UTI-Phoenix says this scholarship is a step beyond traditional paths. He quotes: “I’m extremely passionate about pursuing a technical education in automotive technology for several reasons. The primary reason is a lack of women in the workforce, and no family member has studied in a trade. However, I feel I was made for it.” These inspiring stories should motivate and inspire current and future scholarship applicants, making them feel optimistic about their own potential success.

Last year’s contributions led to 200 students getting close to $1 million in scholarships covering four prominent regions – Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix. For the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, students need to pursue a degree in one of the following regions: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Phoenix, Miami, Memphis, Seattle, and Cincinnati.

The application remains open through August 31, 2024. The scholarships are rewarded on a rolling basis, and applications are reviewed as received. To learn more about the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, visit the TechForce website.