FORD ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO SUPPORT STUDENTS PURSUING CAREERS AS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS
- Investment backed by Ford Fund and Ford Dealers will help meet the high demand for highly skilled automotive technicians across the industry
- Scholarship program aims to foster diversity and reduce barriers for students pursuing careers in automotive service and technology by helping cover tuition and costs of attendance
- New focus on STEM skills fuels upward professional and economic mobility as the industry moves toward electrification
###
*Survey conducted on behalf of Ford Pro by PSB, a modern global research insights consultancy, in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany among 1,250 corporate fleet decision makers from Dec. 14-23, 2021.
**Ford Pro Charging depot software subscription and Ford Telematics subscription required. Chargers must conform to Open Charge Point Protocol 1.6-J industry standard and be internet-connected. Ford Telematics requires modem activation or plug-in device purchase and activation for non-Ford electric vehicles. Ford Pro Charging depot software, Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription service subject to agreement to Ford Smart Mobility terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle and charger data depend on subscription and compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle and charger capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
†Eligible vehicles receive a complimentary three-year trial of E-Telematics services that begins on the new vehicle warranty start date. Requires modem activation. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. After the three-year trial, annual service contract is required for E-Telematics service. Go to Fordpro.com or call 833.811.3673 to activate E-Telematics service.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
# # #
Note: IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports cars, as defined by IHS Markit, include all vehicles in the IHS Markit Global Sports Car segment. Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car over the last 50 years, based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit.
DEARBORN, Mich., March 30, 2023 – Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is joining Ford dealers across four U.S. regions – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix – to provide $1 million in scholarship funding to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.
The auto industry has long faced a shortage of technicians due to fewer students entering and graduating from post-secondary programs, according to TechForce Foundation. Despite annual demand for 258,000 new technicians, there are only 48,000 graduates from technician programs each year nationwide. The gap is likely to widen over the next decade without new graduates as there are projected growth rates of 14% in Arizona, 10% in Texas, 7% in Georgia and 3% in Illinois for this career field respectively.
“As we move toward an electrified future, these career opportunities are exciting and require skilled technicians who are proficient in STEM-related study,” said Elena Ford, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “Working together with the Ford Fund and our dealers to offer this scholarship program means we will welcome a new generation of diverse students to the industry, and hopefully into our Ford family, to help us better serve our customers."
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is open to current and future students who are enrolled in post-secondary auto or auto and diesel technician training programs in the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix areas. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student's school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation.
“These scholarships will go a long way in engaging students, particularly those from under-resourced communities, to consider careers in automotive technology and service,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation. “We’re excited about working with the Ford Fund and Ford Dealer partners to help create a path to careers students may not have considered before.”
Scholarships will be administered by TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit supporting students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. Ford is proud to partner with TechForce given their deep understanding and expertise of the essential skills required to build a diverse pipeline of auto technicians.
This program supports Ford’s greater mission to prepare, empower and grow the future workforce needed to service vehicles and customers to prepare for an electrified future including:
###
1 Based on S&P Global Mobility January 2022-December 2022, US TIPNet, including Electric Cargo Vans, Passenger Vans and Cutaway Vans.
2 Based on 2022 CY OEM-reported data.
3 Based on Ford of Europe sales data.
4 Based on 2022 CY Motor Intelligence Data.
5 Based on enrolled vehicle data within Ford Pro E-Telematics from 2/26/2022 through 3/6/2023 in the U.S. and Canada.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
# # #
Note: IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports cars, as defined by IHS Markit, include all vehicles in the IHS Markit Global Sports Car segment. Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car over the last 50 years, based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit.
- A focus on STEM-based curriculum in combination with hands-on learning
- Reaching students early and reinforcing the opportunities available for upward professional and economic advancement
- Collaboration with dealers through their involvement in participating schools, career fairs, shadowing days, mentoring, and internships
- For more information and to apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship opportunity students can visit www.TechForce.org/FordFund
Applications are due by June 30, 2023, and applicants will be notified of the results on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.
1 Based on S&P Global Mobility January 2022-December 2022, US TIPNet, including Electric Cargo Vans, Passenger Vans and Cutaway Vans.
2 Based on 2022 CY OEM-reported data.
3 Based on Ford of Europe sales data.
4 Based on 2022 CY Motor Intelligence Data.
5 Based on enrolled vehicle data within Ford Pro E-Telematics from 2/26/2022 through 3/6/2023 in the U.S. and Canada.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
# # #
Note: IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports cars, as defined by IHS Markit, include all vehicles in the IHS Markit Global Sports Car segment. Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car over the last 50 years, based on Ford analysis of 1966-2018 total U.S. new vehicle cumulative registrations for all sports car segments supplied by IHS Markit.
*Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with plug-in device (PID). Requires modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are subscription services subject to agreement to FSM terms and conditions. Subscription subject to monthly charge. Subject to OFAC and credit check for subscription eligibility. Connected service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
**Disclaimer - Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have publicly announced charging networks. Department of Energy data used. FordPass, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
***Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device (PID). May require modem activation. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
Project T3 is short for “Trust The Truck” – a code name that stuck after the development team made it their rallying cry. The team’s single guiding principle has been to create a truck people can trust in the digital age – one that’s fully updatable, constantly improving, and supports towing, hauling, exportable power and endless new innovations owners will want.
The assembly plant will use carbon-free electricity from the day it opens. For the first time in 120 years, Ford also is using recovered energy from the site’s utility infrastructure and geothermal system to provide carbon-free heat for the assembly plant – saving about 300 million cubic feet of natural gas typically needed each year to heat similarly sized vehicle assembly plants.
The 3,600-acre campus also has a fully integrated BlueOval SK battery manufacturing site. On-site, the team will build battery cells and arrays and assemble battery packs that will be delivered just across the site into the assembly plant, in less than 30 minutes.
The 3,600-acre campus also has a fully integrated BlueOval SK battery manufacturing site. On-site, the team will build battery cells and arrays and assemble battery packs that will be delivered just across the site into the assembly plant, in less than 30 minutes.
The 3,600-acre campus also has a fully integrated BlueOval SK battery manufacturing site. On-site, the team will build battery cells and arrays and assemble battery packs that will be delivered just across the site into the assembly plant, in less than 30 minutes.
In addition, BlueOval City is developing an on-site supplier park and will have an upfit center capable of adding in dozens of Ford trucks’ most popular features – including robotically installed spray-in bedliners and integrated tool boxes before the pickups are released to dealers and customers.
To help reduce traffic congestion and emissions, the campus also has an on-site Lowe’s store supplying building materials, two construction equipment rental companies and three concrete batch plants.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
To prepare individuals for new jobs at BlueOval City, Ford is introducing BlueOval Learning to empower future workers to build an EV future in America. This talent development program will strengthen skills, provide teacher support and increase work-based learning experiences. Key elements include:
- Building STEM curricula: Ford will support K-12 schools and universities to expand existing STEM-related curricula and infrastructure
- Bringing advanced manufacturing to local schools: Ford will provide mechatronics training equipment and program development in Haywood, Tipton and Lauderdale counties
- Kick-starting careers in high school: Ford will help to expand certifications and dual-enrollment opportunities for students
- Experiential learning: Ford will partner with colleges and universities to develop work-based learning such as co-ops and internships
- Premier training in advanced technologies: Ford will collaborate with higher education institutions to provide training on advanced manufacturing, EVs and battery manufacturing
- BlueOval City TCAT: This state-of-the-art training center, a $40 million investment by the State of Tennessee and created with the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, will be a hub for education resources and best-in-class training programs
For more about employment at BlueOval City, visit Ford Global.
Expanding Community Support
Ford is working to ensure local touches are included in BlueOval City’s design – including crops and art.
Ford EV designers, marketers and land development leaders are collaborating with the University of Memphis Department of Art to create a student-led art installation to serve as a landmark for BlueOval City. The piece – which is the focus of a University sculpture art course – will be installed this summer.
Native Tennessee grasses will be planted on about 500 acres to support local wildlife and select local farmers also are invited to continue planting and harvesting crops on 380 acres of the site, saved for future expansion as EV adoption grows.
Plus, Ford Motor Company Fund is leading a capital grants program to strengthen local communities’ infrastructure in West Tennessee. Local non-profits and municipalities in the area have been selected as grant recipients, receiving a total of nearly $1.2 million to help build capacity and infrastructure to better serve the community’s needs for generations to come.
The Ford Fund capital grant winners by county:
- Haywood County: Brownsville Haywood Fire Department, Douglass Community, The Town of Stanton, Haywood County Ambulance Authority
- Madison County: Boys & Girls Club of Jackson, Exchange Club – Carl Perkins
- Lauderdale County: Gates Volunteer Fire Department, Lauderdale County Council of Arts, Tennessee State Parks Conservancy
- Shelby County: Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, Memphis A. Philip Randolph Institute, Code Crew, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
- Tipton County: Tipton County Government, Mason Fire Auxiliary
- Fayette County: Fayette Cares Inc., Fayette County Citizens for Progress
“We are thrilled to announce the winners of our capital grants program in West Tennessee,” said Mary Culler, Ford Motor Company Fund president. “Investing in local nonprofit organizations and municipalities is one powerful way we can help ensure communities grow stronger from our presence in the region. Together we can create new opportunities to thrive – not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Ford, Ford Motor Company Fund and partners have now invested more than $20 million in Tennessee communities to advance economic and educational opportunities, preserve legacy institutions and protect the environment in West Tennessee and across the state.
LFP Battery Chemistry to Benefit Ford Customers
Offering LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) – allows Ford customers to choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.
LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. This lower-cost battery, at scale, will help Ford contain or even further reduce EV prices for customers. These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development, most of which will be assembled in the U.S.
“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”
Even before the new battery plant opens, Ford will introduce LFP batteries on Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 to increase production capacity, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.
###
(198101002488(68602-V))
For Aftersales / Parts / Warranty enquiries, contact our Customer Care Centre at 1300 383 181 Monday – Friday 9AM to 5PM (excluding public holidays) or email customercare.sdac@simedarby.com.
Click the button below to get the conversation started.