Over the past couple of years, Ford has expressed concerns regarding a feared shortage of automotive technicians, which could cause major problems for it and other independent repair shops. There simply aren’t enough techs in the pipeline to meet future demand, a number of studies have show, which is precisely why The Blue Oval has doled out millions of dollars in scholarships in that field over the past few years – and has also donated vehicles for students to learn on. Now, a Blue Oval dealer has donated a Ford Transit for precisely the same reason.
That dealer is LaFontaine Ford St. Clair in Michigan, according to the Times Herald, which just donated a 2023 Ford Transit cargo van and some parts to the St. Clair County Technical Education Center. Back in April, the same dealership donated a Ford Fiesta to the center, which uses these vehicles to teach its students how to repair them. Representatives from Ford and LaFontaine were on hand for a special event revealing this latest donation, during which they also discussed future careers in the industry with prospective students.
“This donation is an incredible asset for our students,” said Mike Parks, collision repair instructor at St. Clair County TEC. “Having the chance to work on a vehicle of this size gives them real-world experience that helps prepare them for future careers. This, combined with the earlier Ford Fiesta will be a significant asset to our programs.” “LaFontaine’s generous donation provides our TEC students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the latest automotive technology,” added St. Clair TEC Principal Lesley Murphy. “Partnerships like this are essential to equipping our students with real-world skills and work-based learning opportunities that pave the way for their success beyond TEC.”
As Ford Authority reported back in June, The Blue Oval itself donated a group of totaled 2024 Ford Mustang coupes damaged in a storm to shop classes across southeastern Michigan recently, where they’ll be used to help train future auto techs, too. The automaker has engaged in these practices for some time now, first totaling the vehicles and then retitling them for teaching purposes all across the U.S.
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