The ASSET program allows technical and vocational students
to get on-the-job training at a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln
Mercury dealership while earning an Associates Degree
in Automotive Technology at a local, participating community
college. After graduation, students are likely to be hired
for a full-time job at one of the 5,000+ Ford or Lincoln
Mercury dealerships, to the tune of a 99% success rate.
In fact, in 1996, 600 students, nationwide, graduated
from the ASSET program and 594 of them are working full
time in Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships! It's a fairly
demanding course, but there's plenty of benefits to make
it worth your while. You'll be getting not only in-class
instruction from trained instructors, but also hands-on
experience at a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership, and
earning money while you're getting your Associates Degree.
Anyone who is a high school graduate and interested
in the technical side of vehicles is eligible. Vehicle
enthusiasts and high school Auto Shop students are typical
candidates. While most students find out about the program
through their high schools, eligibility is not limited
to current or recent high school graduates.
How the Program Works
ASSET is a 2-year program divided into two parts. Nine to
12 weeks of classroom instruction are alternated with 9-12
weeks of paid co-op work experience at a sponsoring Ford
or Lincoln Mercury dealership. Upon completing the ASSET
program, every participant is equipped with the basic
skills and experience to be a successful service technician.
You and the Dealer
Sponsoring Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers play a vital
role in ASSET. Each dealer:
- Interviews and selects prospective students
- Appoints an in-dealership coordinator to help the
school ASSET coordinator plan and monitor the cooperative
work experience
- Provides the work experience that reinforces your
most recent classroom instruction
- Pays you for working at the dealership
- Supplies you with uniforms (in keeping with dealership
policy)
Dealer Benefits
No initial investment
- Improved Fix-It-Right-the-First-Time capability
- Less dealership training (downtime) for technicians
in the future
- A continuous source for recruiting educated technicians
Related Programs
Are You One of America's Best?
Find out if you're one of America's best student automotive
technicians by being entered in the Student Auto Skills
National Quality Care Challenge. It's a nationwide competition
for 12th graders sponsored by Ford and AAA. It features
written exams and "hands-on" diagnosis and repair. Have
your instructor call (407) 444-8378 for an application.
Study "Real-World" Manufacturing
in High School
The Ford Academy of Manufacturing Sciences (FAMS) offers
you an opportunity to learn science, math, technology and
communication skills in real-world manufacturing situations.
FAMS consists of reality-based courses taken in grades 9-12
plus a summer internship at a local business. High school
faculty members can contact FAMS by calling 1-800-799-FAMS.
