General Information On Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda Asset Program
The Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) is a two-year automotive program designed to upgrade the technical competency and professionalism of the incoming dealership technician. The curriculum is designed by Ford and San Jacinto College Central and leads to an Associate Degree. The program involves not only attending classroom lecture and laboratory on Ford products at San Jacinto College, but also allows the student to work at a Ford or Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda dealership.
The total program lasts two years with approximately half of the time spent at San Jacinto College Central, and the remaining time spent in a sponsoring dealership. Each specialized subject is dealt with in the classroom and laboratory on campus for a number of weeks and is then followed by related work experience in the dealership. For example, the first semester involves 8 weeks at San Jacinto College Central followed by 8 weeks work experience at the dealership. After the dealership work experience is completed, the student returns to San Jacinto College Central for another 8 weeks of courses, followed by 8 more weeks at the dealership. This rotation system continues until the completion of the program. The work experience at the dealership relates as much as possible to the coursework just completed at San Jacinto College Central. ASSET classes begin in the fall semester and selection of students begins early in the spring semester.
All tuition, fees and textbook costs are the responsibility of the student. A schedule of tuition and fees is attached. In-district students are those students who reside within the college district and meet residence requirements as prescribed by the college bulletin. In addition to the fees and textbook costs, the student is required to purchase a prescribed basic hand tool set if he/she does not already have one. The initial cost of the total set is approximately $1,800, with an additional cost of about $100 to upgrade as the program continues on. The students can select any quality brand of tools; assistance in obtaining an educational discount may be arranged for most popular brands. Check with your sponsor and the college before purchasing tools.
Since the student earns while he/she learns, a considerable portion of the costs involved in the program are offset.
Obviously, the program requires much effort on the part of the student. The efforts are worth the benefits. The skill, knowledge and potential of those who complete the program are far superior to most automotive programs. The balance of qualities obtained forms a basis for development and progress with the dealer’s organization.
Remember, ASSET helps Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda dealers train their future technicians. That could be you!