With so many Fords on the road today, and more being sold every day, there is a huge demand for automotive technicians who are Ford dealership certified. Automotive technician jobs like this have a lot more opportunity for advancement, and even an entry-level auto mechanic salary is higher when you have the right education and certification.
Unlike some other manufacturers, Ford doesn’t have a single dealership certification program for certification. Instead, you can choose the program and auto mechanic school that’s right for you so that you can meet your goals and get access to the auto technician jobs you’re most interested in.
Top Ford mechanic training programs
So what programs are available to become a Ford dealership certified auto mechanic? The best programs in the country include the FACT (Ford Accelerated Credential Training) and ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) programs.
To form the FACT program, Ford has partnered with the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Students complete one year of education at UTI, followed by an intensive 15-week training program specifically for Ford vehicles, with technician specialty training, as well.
The ASSET program is a two-year program of classes with a cooperative work program so that students may get hands-on experience and training in a Ford dealership or service center.
Both of these are excellent programs that give students the skills and expertise they need to get the best auto technician jobs. Which one you choose will likely depend on the time you have available, program availability in your area, and your overall goals as you seek certification. In either case, you’ll get more specialized information and education than you would in a more generalized auto mechanic school.
Benefits of the Ford FACT Program
While the ASSET program does have built-in cooperative hours working at a Ford dealership, it’s important to point out that FACT program graduates receive a number of credentials that will make them highly attractive to Ford dealerships looking to fill auto technician jobs.
In this program, students will be able to earn up to 10 classroom credentials with a Ford instructor, as well as 80 web-based credentials, making it easy to study and learn at home and to work around your schedule. Upon completion, graduates will receive nine certifications in Ford specialty areas. In this program, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain Quick Lane certification, which is Ford’s specific certification available through their Quick Service and Light Repair Technician training.
When you enroll in the FACT program, you’ll get training specific to Ford vehicles in diagnostics, diesel engines, electrical systems, and much more. And, thanks to Ford’s direct involvement with the program, students get a Ford STARS ID, so that Ford dealerships can track their training history to see what skills and areas they’ve mastered and why they’ll be the best auto technician for the job.
Both ASSET and FACT will put you in a good place to start your car mechanic career, get a good automotive tech job, and start to earn a higher auto mechanic salary. ASSET has the cooperative aspect of training, while FACT has Ford’s partnership and certifications.
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
