Ford is well aware of the fact that in the U.S., we’re facing a rather large crisis as it pertains to a massive shortage of automotive technicians versus future needs. As such, the automaker has invested heavily in trying to entice younger folks to pursue a career in the auto tech field, offering up scholarships in many areas while also going so far as to build its own training centers. Recently, Ford CEO Jim Farley touched on this particular subject as well, highlighting the need for America to invest more in skilled trades in general, which is another big area of opportunity.
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“Many industries can’t exist without highly skilled tradespeople. They do the jobs that power our economy every day,” Farley said at the 2025 Aspen Ideas conference. “Today, a third of Americans prefer trade school over a traditional college degree and we must meet that demand with real support. Ford is doing its part, investing millions in trade-school scholarships, technician boot camps, and educational programs. I’m calling on companies across America to step up and invest in skilled trades because the future of our economy depends on it.”
Back in January, Ford announced that it was erecting a new service technician training center in the suburban San Antonio, Texas area, which is designed to help beef up the number of future auto techs to meet an ever-growing need for such services. When finished, it will join 28 other such facilities that are already in operation across the U.S.
In addition to opening these tech training centers, Ford Philanthropy and a series of Blue Oval dealers recently expanded the existing Auto Tech Scholarship program, which is designed to make automotive technician careers more accessible, build a more capable workforce, and attract the next generation of skilled workers. Most recently, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship program offered $5,000 scholarships to 800 potential auto techs across 42 states and 600 schools, which can be used to pay tuition, or just cover regular expenses like transportation, childcare, tools, and living.
Comments
Jim, I know Ford has a tiered program to engage and promote students getting into the trades, and from what our Mustang Club sees from out two high school visits, attendance is pretty darn good! Partially flooded Ford vehicles were donated to 5 regional tech schools via local Ford dealers here in Pittsburgh, and our club decided to visit each nad put on a car show for the students and teachers as part of our growing outreach program. If from what we’ve experienced…the future looks bright!
With 82 recalls already this year it sounds like a stable job for many years to come!