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There are many opportunities for Universal Technical Institute students to advance their education after completing their core Automotive Technology training, thanks to the various Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs that exist at various campuses.
The Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program is a great example of one of these programs. Since 1999, UTI has had a relationship with Ford that has allowed the school to train students and help them earn certifications needed by technicians at more than 3,100 Ford and Lincoln dealerships in the United States.1
Ford has invested over $10 million in resources for UTI campuses to help make this possible. Keep reading to find out more about the FACT program and the benefits it can offer graduates!
The Ford FACT program takes place over 15 weeks, with students completing instructor-led course credentials and acquiring over 80 web-based credentials. This manufacturer-specific training covers a range of topics that can help put them on the path toward becoming Master Technicians.
“Students are taking the same classes delivered at Ford training centers,” says Bob Furedy, National Program Manager for UTI. “They can earn 12 Ford Service Technician Specialty Training (STST) instructor-led course credentials.”
Each student is assigned a Ford Motor Company’s STARS ID used to keep track of the FACT training history. Profiles of students in the STARS training database make it easier for them to see their progress throughout the course with a certification planner, which tracks the web-based learning and instructor-led classes that are needed to earn credentials.
“Once a section in the certification planner is 100% completed, students are considered to be a ‘certified specialist’ in that topic, with the goal of completing the 12 STST certification pathways,” Bob says.
The STARS database is a great resource for employers who can access a student’s training history when seeking technicians. This can help set Ford FACT graduates apart when applying for jobs.
Students have access to Ford’s Professional Technician website, allowing them to retrieve the various diagrams, repair and workshop information that technicians in the field use.
The courses in the FACT program are designed to give students comprehensive diagnostic, diesel and electrical training using the same types of equipment provided to Ford dealership technicians.
While most courses in the FACT program are genuine Ford classes used to train technicians in the field, UTI has also worked to develop two additional courses that students experience during the program.
The goal when developing this training was to ensure students have a higher success rate when achieving certifications in complex topics. The courses UTI developed include:
The other topics covered over the 15-week FACT program are:
Ford FACT received an exciting new program update for January 2022, which was the addition of the instructor-led Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Operations & Diagnosis class.
During this course, students will learn hybrid and electric systems operation, and how they can safely repair and diagnose different hybrid and electric vehicle concerns.
The new curriculum comes at an ideal time, as hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more popular and present on roadways. In a media release published November 10, 2021, UTI CEO Jerome Grant announced the school’s commitment to developing new coursework and lab experiences that would keep them at the forefront of training for the major manufacturers of electric vehicles.
By 2030, it is expected that 65% of new car sales will be electric, according to a report by McKinsey & Company. Students can greatly benefit by being up to date with current technology as they prepare for careers.5
Taking the Ford FACT MSAT program will allow you to gain specialized training working with one of the top names in the automotive industry.
Graduating from Ford FACT can help build your résumé after earning credentials that can be useful when pursuing a career. There are program prerequisites for those interested, including:
You can request more information today and learn more about Ford FACT when you connect with an Admissions Representative!
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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
5) UTI programs prepare graduates for careers in industries using the provided training, primarily as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a technician, such as: parts associate, service writer, fabricator, paint and paint prep, and shop owner/operator. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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