There are two major programs that are offered at schools all across the country to get you on the way to becoming a Ford auto mechanic, the Ford FACT program and the Ford ASSET program. Whether you desire to work on the heavy-duty F-150 or the American muscle icon, the Mustang, each of these programs will get you there. It just depends how you want to get there, what kind of certification you want and how you want to learn.
The Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) is a fast-track program designed specifically for the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Through this partnership, UTI is given the ability to teach and award its FACT students all the training and certifications needed to be an auto mechanic specializing in Ford automobiles.
This training is a 15-week hands on program where you will work in one of 10 facilities designed and equipped just like a Ford dealership so students can become familiar with the setting before finding a job at any of the 3,200+ Ford and Lincoln dealers across the U.S. Whether you desire to only work on Ford vehicles or you are on a path to becoming a Master Technician, the FACT course can get you on your way.
You’ll find the Ford FACT Program at these Universal Technical Institute Campuses:
The Ford ASSET program is a two year course which provides students with classroom training paired with in-dealership training. When in the program, you will see that you will spend six to eight weeks in the classroom then switch for the next six to eight weeks to working in a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Students are expected to earn their own sponsorship so that they can complete the in-dealer training portion of the course.
This alternation will occur all throughout the two year program to result in the earning of an Associate’s Degree and great experience of working in a dealership. Along with all of this, the ASSET program is a rarity as it has this paid internship built into the program allowing students to pay off their school while they learn as well as create a long lasting relationship with a dealer that can turn into a full-time career.
You can find the Ford ASSET Program offered at the following schools:
Here’s what you can expect to learn in the FACT program:
Qualifications to enter the FACT program are one of the following:
According to the Universal Technical Institute, student requests to move to another session will be evaluated based on the reason for the request and class availability.
Graduates from the FACT program at UTI will earn either a diploma or an Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree. This depends on which campus you choose as well as your choices of additional certifications that you want to earn.
Accreditation is important as it holds educational institutions accountable for their ability to teach through a system of comprehensive evaluations from an unbiased third-party. This evaluation is done through an established set of criteria which is used at each school that is evaluated. All UTI locations are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Here’s what you can expect to learn in the FACT program:
Qualifications to enter the Ford ASSET program vary slightly from school to school but mostly include:
As Ford is one of the top auto manufacturers and dealers in the United States, there is always a demand for specialized Ford technicians. The Ford ASSET program gives its graduates extremely valuable work experience within the dealer setting which will be very beneficial when searching for a job upon graduation. Many students even continue to work full-time at their sponsored dealer as the relationship has already been built. Graduates from the ASSET often take roles in:
The ASSET program is a 2-year program that blends classroom, lab, and in-dealer work experience to create a unique learning environment. When graduated, students will have about one full year of work experience at a Ford dealer.
ASSET graduates can expect to earn an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Mechanics Technology and up to eight automotive certificates. They will get up to 100% of the Ford Service Technician Specialty Training certifications. Graduates will earn their Bureau of Automotive Repair certified training to obtain the CA Smog Check Inspector and/or Repair Technician licenses. Lastly, students will earn valuable compensation during their work experience sessions.
The cost of the program varies from school to school. Some schools charge as little as $5,000 while some can charge up to $20,000. Even on top of tuition fees, costs can accrue from tools, books, and other fees so be sure to keep an eye out for total costs when making your school decision. Keep in mind, you will be earning money during the program through your sponsored internship at a Ford dealer which will help cut the cost if needed.