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.
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