Ford Funds Technician Scholarships
Commits $2 million this year for training in 10 metro areas.
Ford said its dealers will provide scholarship students with career guidance and on-site training.
IMAGE: Pexels/Ardem Podrez
Ford and its philanthropic arm are funneling $2 million into shoring up the thinned automotive technician workforce.
The money from the automaker and its Ford Fund will pay for 400 need-based scholarships for current and future students enrolled in technician training programs in 10 metropolitan areas: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Seattle and Cincinnati.
Ford said in a press release that the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of 400,000 technicians that the industry needs by 2027, a shortfall made particularly acute by demand for specialized electric-vehicle training.
“As vehicles become more advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them,” said its chief dealer engagement officer, Elena Ford.
Ford said its dealers will provide scholarship students with career guidance and on-site training.
The scholarship application period runs through Aug. 31. The program administrator is nonprofit TechForce Foundation.
DIG DEEPER: Get Ready for EV Repairs
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More F&I
How AI-Powered Coaching Is Transforming F&I Performance
See how AI-powered coaching can turn F&I customer conversations into actionable insights that support compliance, performance and profitability
Read More →
Sell Value, Build Trust
In this video, Trent White explains why selling on value, not fear, builds lasting customer trust, reduces cancellations, and drives long-term success.
Read More →
F&I Sales Give Dealers First-Half Lift
Product business shored up total profits to avoid an overall revenue tanking as product penetrations held steady, StoneEagle reported.
Read More →
Targeted Training Drives Results
Today’s technology, instead of threatening F&I managers, can actually make them better, according to an industry veteran who’s watched market setbacks roil the unprepared.
Read More →
Double the Change, Double the Chance
When an F&I manager gets a customer refusal, it’s a wise move to tweak more than one thing in the product offering.
Read More →
Just Do It
F&I managers need training, but instead of resisting application or expecting perfection, they should improve by simply acting on what they learn.
Read More →
Dealer Lender Preferences Revealed
When lenders provide consistent, fast service, their overall satisfaction scores with dealers greatly improve, according to JD Power research.
Read More →
Leading with Purpose
In this video, Trent White explains how understanding your people’s 'why' is a key leadership responsibility of F&I professionals and how that mindset drives dealership engagement, trust and performance.
Read More →
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →