Celebrating 25 Years of Ford FACT | What’s New With FACT Training

Known for its American roots, rich history and innovative vehicles, Ford is a company that continues to revolutionize the automotive industry. From the original Model T to its modern-day cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, hybrids and now electric vehicles, this iconic brand has remained on the cutting edge of technology.

Due to Ford’s reputation in the industry, it’s no surprise that technicians across the country choose to work for its dealerships. This is why, 25 years ago, Universal Technical Institute teamed with Ford Motor Company to create the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program. This specialized training is 15 weeks of hands-on experience designed to equip aspiring technicians with the knowledge needed to pursue a career with Ford.^1,8

Since the program’s beginning, students have had the opportunity to train on] breakthrough technology in UTI’s labs nationwide. This milestone represents 25 years of preparing students to enter the pipeline of qualified technicians ready to work in the more than 3,000 Ford and Lincoln dealerships across the U.S.

We’ve had a great history with our Ford FACT program and our curriculum and training technology have evolved a lot since its start. Keep reading to learn more about the program and how we’ve grown since our start.

Then and Now: UTI’s Relationship With Ford

The relationship between Ford and UTI dates to 1999. UTI’s Vice President of Industries at the time and a representative from Ford met at a conference and dreamed up ways they could work together. What started as a simple handshake and an idea on a napkin turned into what we now know as the Ford FACT program.

The program launched at UTI in a small classroom in Phoenix, as shown in the photo above. Today it is offered at nine campuses across the nation and has trained more than 29,000 students for careers in the industry. Over the course of 25 years, the relationship between UTI and Ford has evolved drastically, as the two companies have created an incredible program that has stood the test of time.

What’s New With Ford FACT Training

Over the past 25 years, technology in the automotive industry and at Ford has continuously evolved, and the technology used in Ford FACT labs has evolved along with it.

To stay up to speed with the current technology, the Ford FACT curriculum has undergone many changes based on Ford’s direction. For example, the program length started at just 9 weeks, changed to 12 weeks and eventually became 15 weeks.⁸ This occurred due to UTI adding more curriculum to accommodate new vehicles and engines, like the 6.7L and 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engines.

Ford FACT was created to prepare technicians to pursue careers in the automotive industry. As the requirements and demands of dealership technicians change, so do the expectations for students enrolled in the program. Students train with the same tools and diagnostic equipment used in dealerships across the country, which helps give them a leg up when they walk into their first job.

As a result, we have introduced some new technology into our curriculum and will launch a few new elements into our training!

 Virtual Reality

Ford changes curriculum often to keep FACT training up to date with its technological advances. One way to help students train in an immersive, hands-on environment without leaving the labs is through virtual reality. This helps students get exposure to different types of Ford vehicles while learning to diagnose and even repair them. As of now, there are six lab workstations equipped with virtual reality with plans to include diesel, which will make the total nine lab workstations with VR!

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Courses Coming

Coming to Ford FACT campuses, students will learn about electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles. They will learn about high-voltage systems along with how to maintain and handle them safely. They’ll also get to train on Ford electric and hybrid vehicles to understand them specifically.

About the Ford FACT Program

UTI’s Ford FACT provides authorized Ford Motor Company technician training that can prepare students to pursue a career in the industry. In just 15 weeks, they have the opportunity to train on a variety of Ford models.⁸ Along the way, they’ll earn valuable credentials that can help them achieve Master Tech status.

In order to qualify for this program, students must first complete their core Automotive Technology Training, which provides them with a strong foundation of automotive knowledge.

Ford FACT’s accelerated curriculum covers a wide variety of topics in a short period of time. Students will be exposed to the advancements in auto manufacturing, learn exact repair procedures and use the same types of diagnostic and testing equipment that Ford dealerships provide their own technicians. As they train, students have access to breakthrough technology, including SYNC with MyFord Touch systems and training in computer diagnostics.

The program starts with Ford boot camp, which takes a comprehensive approach to improving diagnostic skills. While in the program, students will get to train on Ford diesel engines. Students also train on current models like the Lincoln Aviator equipped with the latest technology package.

In addition to receiving the training needed, students also have the opportunity to make connections in the industry. Ford FACT students can attend exclusive Ford dealer hiring events where dealers from around the country meet students on campus. Some even give select student employment offers on the spot!¹

Quick Facts about the Program

• Ford FACT training is 15 weeks in length.⁸
• Students can earn up to 13 instructor-led Ford STST classroom course credentials.
• There are more than 3,000 Ford and Lincoln dealerships across the U.S.
• Students earn 80+ web-based credentials.
• Nine campuses offer the Ford FACT program: Avondale, AZ; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Sacramento, CA; Orlando, FL; Lisle, IL; Bloomfield, NJ; Mooresville, NC; Exton, PA; and Houston, TX.

5 Reasons to Choose Ford FACT

1. Ford FACT offers diesel and gasoline training: To provide students with comprehensive learning in this program, training is offered for both gasoline and diesel fuel types.

2. Six continuous weeks of electrical electronics training: Being a technician today is much more complex than turning a wrench. Ford FACT is ready to help students get there, starting with an Electrical Diagnosis Boot Camp to dive hands-on into current Ford technology and gain the skills needed to maintain these high-tech vehicles.

3. Hybrid and EV training: There’s no doubt hybrid plug-in and electric vehicles are gaining in popularity. Ford FACT is keeping students current with today’s technology by offering instructor-led hybrid plug-in and Mach-E electric vehicle training—coming to all nine locations where this program is offered! Ford collaborated with UTI to create this program and provides equipment and technology that’s recognized by Ford dealerships.

4. Earn Ford Technician Certifications: As a student in the Ford FACT program, students gain the skills and credentials valued by today’s employers with 80+ eLearning credentials and 13 Ford specialty instructor-led classroom courses.

5. More than 3,000 Ford and Lincoln Dealerships Nationwide: There are dealers throughout the country for graduates to pursue career paths after completing training. Plus, contacts go a long way in this industry! Ford FACT students have the opportunity to build relationships with instructors, as well as other students who share their passion. They’ll also have access to Ford-dealer-exclusive hiring events where they can meet prospective employers.¹

What Does the Future Hold?

The Ford FACT program has certainly made its mark on the industry in the last 25 years, and its impact doesn’t stop there. The demand for skilled technicians is high, and UTI and Ford will continue to play a significant role in fulfilling this need for employers across the country.

In addition to the FACT program, Ford offers a variety of other programs (and resources) through New Ford Tech that teach the skills needed to pursue a career as a Ford/Lincoln automotive technician. This means students looking to start a career with Ford have plenty of options after completing their training.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total technician employment is expected to exceed 1.8 million by 2032.³⁸ For automotive technicians specifically, there are an estimated 67,000+ average annual automotive technician job openings in the U.S.⁴¹ Translation: Skilled technicians are needed!

Ford FACT graduates have gone on to reach exciting achievements in their careers. Some grads have advanced to service manager and director roles, and others have even earned spots on technician review panels and are the voices representing the 33,000 technicians in Ford and Lincoln dealerships across the country.⁶

Where are Some Ford FACT Graduates Now?

For the Ford FACT graduates pictured above, the pathway is bright. Graduating from the Orlando campus, they’re now working at places like Mullinax Ford and Sawgrass Ford, both in Orlando, Florida.

We had the opportunity to ask them and their employers about their experiences and why they prefer the Ford FACT program, and this is what they said:
“I attended Universal Technical Institute in 2007 and also enrolled into Ford FACT, it was one of the best automotive decisions I made in my career. It gave me a solid foundation to have a successful automotive career,” Kelly Williams of Mullinax Ford shares.

“UTI has been a great asset to our company, we have a new facility here in Miramar. The facilities are world-class; students are committed by what they are doing in the automotive business,” shares - Bill Condron, fixed operations director of Sawgrass Ford. “It’s been a great place for a young person go learn a trade...they’re in an area of the country where there is plenty of demand for what they do.”  

The last 25 years have been incredible, and they wouldn’t have been possible without the teamwork between UTI and Ford and the passion of the students who have participated in the FACT program. Ford and UTI are looking forward to reaching new heights in the years to come!

Start Your Journey Toward a New Career

A career in the automotive industry might be closer than you think. To learn more about UTI’s Automotive Technology training program and the Ford FACT program, visit our website today to answer a few questions so an Admissions Representative can get in touch with you.