FORD Automotive Student Service Educational Training Program

Ford has produced some of the most iconic American makes and models over the last hundred or so years, and the legendary company's assembly lines continue to crank out vehicles with technology and workmanship that reflect its long history as one of the top automakers in the U.S. market. Ford's attention to detail doesn't stop when its cars roll off the line, either — aspiring Ford mechanics can become experts in the service and repair of Ford cars and trucks with the Ford ASSET technician program.

What are the requirements to enroll in Ford ASSET schools?

Ford ASSET — short for Automotive Student Service Educational Training — can be found at a variety of different facilities, and the admissions requirements tend to vary slightly from institution to institution. Here's a short list of common conditions for enrollment at schools that offer a Ford ASSET technician program:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a high school diploma, general educational development (GED) certificate or equivalent
• Have a current and active driver's license
• Be comfortable with kneeling, squatting, bending over and standing up for long periods of time
• Obtain sponsorship from an authorized Ford dealer

Additional admissions requirements may include an enrollment pre-test, submission of previous academic transcripts, a screen for controlled substances or a criminal background check. Any other individual requirements imposed by the vocational school, community college or sponsoring dealership may also apply.

Are there specific benefits to completing a Ford ASSET program?

The requirement of obtaining dealer sponsorship functions to a certain extent as a benefit in itself. Students serve as employees of their sponsoring dealership while enrolled in Ford ASSET schools, which not only serves to provide some income and professional experience while you're learning but also allows you to see the real-world applications of the knowledge you gain in the classroom.

Another upside is that Ford ASSET students have the opportunity to receive 100 percent of the same technical certifications earned by those enrolled at Ford's own proprietary education centers, and graduates of Ford ASSET schools often earn a full-fledged Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree rather than a career diploma or other non-academic certificate. If you decide to continue your education to the bachelor's level or higher, the credits you earn during your Ford ASSET courses may be transferable into that new degree program.

How does Ford ASSET further your career?

There may be a few authorized Ford dealerships that will give you your start in the industry without requiring any formal technical training, but it is generally the case that mechanics with more knowledge and experience have greater earning potential and advancement prospects. Completing a Ford ASSET technician program can give you deep knowledge in essential subject areas like these:

• Brake systems
• Engine repair
• Climate control
• Rear axle and driveline
• Engine performance theory
• Body electrical systems
• Transmission and transaxle
• Steering and suspension
• Diesel fuel and emissions
• Safety and repair equipment

Also, while there is no legally binding contract between a students and their sponsoring dealerships, Ford ASSET schools report that students are often hired by their sponsors once the program is complete.

How can you find a good school for the Ford ASSET technician program?

Ford ASSET programs can be found at junior colleges, community colleges and vocational schools all over the country — check out our listings below and on the right for a few suggestions. If multiple schools in your area offer comparable programs, it may be helpful to find a dealership willing to sponsor you and see if they have an opinion about which institution to choose.

It also can't hurt to visit nearby Ford ASSET schools to get a feel for the student experience that each institution's program can provide. The typical Ford ASSET technician takes two program-years to be fully trained, so finding a school with comfortable facilities and a good campus culture can go a long way toward making your experience a good one.