Ford’s recent donation of four Mustangs to local schools in Washtenaw County highlights the important relationship between automakers, dealerships, and educational institutions in driving the industry forward. These car donations, which Ford has been doing since September 2023, not only provide students with valuable career skills but also supply employers with a well-educated workforce. The donated Mustangs were all 2023 models, including three GTs and one EcoBoost, and suffered level two flood damage.
Kenneth Lewis II, an Auto Shop teacher at Pioneer High School, expressed his excitement about the Mustang his school received. They plan to use it for teaching basic technical skills and hope to hold car shows to fundraise and upgrade the car for their high school drag program. While burnouts were not seen at the donation event, there was an atmosphere of joy and excitement as students and teachers finally got behind the wheel of their new learning tools.
Tom Butman, General Manager of Gene Butman Ford, served as the liaison between Ford and the recipient schools. His dealership had been holding onto the cars since November, ensuring they met safety standards and were in good condition before being titled and donated. Michael McLean, Ford Market Area Coordinator, explained that the car donations were part of Ford’s Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program, which offers factory-level training to students and instructors. The program used to donate 20-30 cars a year but has donated almost 300 vehicles since September 2023.
These donations are greatly beneficial to students, especially those in schools with limited budgets for new technology and vehicles. McLean saw an opportunity to provide newer vehicles and technology to schools through corporate support. By giving students access to the latest technology, they gain valuable training that will benefit them in their future careers in the automotive industry. These auto shop programs, often overlooked during budget cuts, are an essential pipeline for the industry’s workforce.
Partnerships between automakers, dealerships, and schools are crucial in ensuring students have access to up-to-date technology. Over 1,500 schools are currently enrolled in Ford’s ACE program, with donated vehicles reaching schools throughout the country. Tom Butman has actively recruited technicians from these schools, knowing firsthand the knowledge and skills they possess.
The automotive industry relies on these students as a pool for their future workforce, making it essential to equip them with the necessary skills and technology. The shortage of well-versed technicians is a challenge, with high compensation levels reflecting the demand for highly skilled individuals. Kenneth Lewis also emphasized their program’s good relationship with Toyota, which provides apprenticeship programs and opportunities for students to work at dealerships.
Looking ahead, as the industry moves towards hybrid, plug-in, and electric vehicles, Dan Retherford encouraged students to think beyond traditional engine performance. He challenged them to explore how to maximize power and efficiency from batteries and electric motors. Tom Butman agreed, noting that electric vehicles are the next step in automotive technology. Washtenaw Community College is already launching an EV maintenance and battery technician program, and the goal is to bring these programs into high schools.
Kenneth Lewis expressed his desire to acquire an electric vehicle for their program but cited cost as a barrier. However, he remains hopeful about finding partners or grants to make it a reality. The industry recognizes the importance of training and accrediting the next generation, as demonstrated by organizations like the ASE Education Foundation.
Overall, Ford’s donation of Mustangs to local schools sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between automakers, dealerships, and educational institutions. These partnerships not only provide students with hands-on learning experiences but also ensure a well-prepared workforce for the automotive industry’s future. By embracing new technologies and supporting educational programs, these entities are shaping the future of the industry and preparing students for success in their careers.
