Ford Motor Company is expanding its Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET), a program designed to train technicians in Ford service technologies as well as diagnostic and repair methods.
In collaboration with Ford and Lincoln dealers and select community colleges and technical schools, the ASSET curriculum will now be offered at:
- Pima Community College, Tucson, Ariz.
- Wake Technical College, Raleigh, N.C.
- Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville, Ga.
According to a press release from Ford, ASSET will be incorporating Ford EV curriculum including courses on High Voltage Systems Safety, Hybrid Vehicle Components and Operation, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Components and Operation, and an introduction to High Voltage Battery Service, as well as a Ford instructor-led class on Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Operation and Diagnosis.
Ford has provided 25 PHEV or BEV vehicles to ASSET locations for students to receive hands-on training, the press releases noted.
The press release also mentioned Ford will also adding a Mobile Service Technician Certification to the ASSET curriculum.
“My experience with ASSET been great,” said 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.”
Over a two-year period, an ASSET student can earn up to 100 percent of Ford’s Service Technician Specialty Training (STST) credentials, earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology, and have 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, said the press release.
