Ford Funds Technician Scholarships
Commits $2 million this year for training in 10 metro areas.
Ford said its dealers will provide scholarship students with career guidance and on-site training.
IMAGE: Pexels/Ardem Podrez
Ford and its philanthropic arm are funneling $2 million into shoring up the thinned automotive technician workforce.
The money from the automaker and its Ford Fund will pay for 400 need-based scholarships for current and future students enrolled in technician training programs in 10 metropolitan areas: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Seattle and Cincinnati.
Ford said in a press release that the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of 400,000 technicians that the industry needs by 2027, a shortfall made particularly acute by demand for specialized electric-vehicle training.
“As vehicles become more advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them,” said its chief dealer engagement officer, Elena Ford.
Ford said its dealers will provide scholarship students with career guidance and on-site training.
The scholarship application period runs through Aug. 31. The program administrator is nonprofit TechForce Foundation.
DIG DEEPER: Get Ready for EV Repairs
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →