This fall, Aims Community College will begin a program that offers aspiring automotive technicians a paid internship with an unparalleled training and mentoring program. Students gain specialized industry knowledge and experience to fast-track their careers.
Aims Expands Workforce Development Opportunities with Ford Motor Company Partnership
June 19, 2024
Aims Automotive Instructor Valeska Howton works with students under the hood of a Ford truck.
The Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) program allows students to earn while they learn. Students alternate time in the classroom at the state-of-the-art Automotive and Technology Center and with a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer. Aims’ program is Colorado's only Ford ASSET program and the 41st nationwide.
Education, Experience and Expertise
This is a paid opportunity with invaluable real-world exposure and the chance to apply their knowledge professionally. Students earn an associate degree, multiple Ford Service Technician Specialty Training (STST) certifications and valuable dealership experience at the end of five semesters. This gives a student the skills, knowledge and work history to become a Senior Master Level Service Technician when they graduate.
Valeska Howton at the Aims Automotive Technology Center.
Jenna Rowan, Service Performance Manager at Ford Motor Company Denver Region, emphasized the value of the Ford ASSET program, stating, "Having this program is incredible. It takes two and a half years to get all those certifications, your degree, your toolbox.”
Another program benefit is personalized guidance and coaching opportunities. Aims Instructor Valeska Howton will serve as the lead teacher in this program. She has previously worked for a Ford dealership and has many Ford STST Certifications. “You have a mentor, someone you can lean on and learn from,” Rowan said. “Valeska is the best person for this, having someone who's been in a Ford dealership. She's experienced it. She knows what it's like.”
Industry Connections and Advanced Technology
This alliance complements the forward path that the Aims Automotive Department is pursuing. Larry Baker, the Automotive Programs Chair at Aims, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “That's been our goal in the automotive department for quite some time — to partner with manufacturers because the builder of the vehicle has the best training possible.”
Howton also says the manufacturer connection is a worthwhile partnership and better prepares students to be leaders in the field. “Having that direct dealer connection and access to all their resources will make our Ford ASSET students top-notch technicians.”
The landscape of automobile technology has witnessed a significant shift toward complexity with the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles. This signals a future where understanding and maintaining automobiles requires mechanical insight and deep knowledge of software and electronics.
“We have the greatest new technology in our vehicles, like our electric vehicles, and we have the best in the industry. Exposing students to a lot of this new and up-and-coming technology that many manufacturers may haven't dabbled in will be a benefit down the road,” Rowan said.
The automotive industry, like many sectors, is experiencing workforce shortages. This situation is additionally difficult as vehicles become increasingly complex; dealerships need people who understand these new cars and trucks.
Baker feels this program will help students rise through the ranks much faster. “When you start a new career, you start at the bottom of the barrel and work your way up. Ford ASSET students can avoid that.”
Rowan said that program graduates will stand out in the job market. ”Having that student be engaged in this program and working with the school and the dealership will set them apart. It ultimately makes them the top prospects in the market for technicians.”
Enrollment for the Fall 2024 is now open, but space is limited. People interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a Ford Master Automotive Technician are encouraged to take the next step and apply for the Ford ASSET program at Aims Community College. Get more information about the program and apply at aims.co/Ford-ASSET.
