Automotive Technology: Traditional vs. ASSET

It differs in that the curriculum is entirely Ford focused. Ford commits many resources to this program and hopes to employ the students when they graduate. A very big difference in programs is that the ASSET students are actually sponsored by and employed by a participating dealership. This means that ASSET students can earn an income each semester. Because ASSET students are sponsored and ultimately hired by Ford/Lincoln dealerships, they must go through an application and interview process in order to participate.

Another big difference is that the curriculum is set for each semester and the entire class goes through it together (the cohort model). The students will earn an AS degree AND Ford STST (Service Technician Specialized Training) certificates in two years and one summer of study. Automotive classes typically start at 7:00 am and end at approximately 1:30. From 2:30 to approximately 5:40 the class will attend their general education classes. Classes are taken on campus three days a week. The trade-off to these long days in training is this: since the complete semester’s load is scheduled over three days, the ASSET students get to spend another 2-3 days each week throughout the semester working and potentially being paid at their sponsoring dealership.

As you can see, this is a very intense academic load and students should be advised of this when they are trying to decide between ASSET and the traditional automotive program. If one has a weak preparation in general studies, has to work while in school to survive, or have very “complicated” lives, ASSET may not be for them. Traditional program students, on the other hand, can take classes at the pace dictated by their lives rather than by the Ford-driven curriculum of ASSET.

Since there is no time for academic remediation in the program, the student ideally should be ready for English Writing 300 level composition, have passed their English reading competency, and be ready for Math 120/144. NOTE: Students may start the program at an English Writing 101 level and Math 30 level, but this does require some scheduling changes. The role of the ASSET counselor is to screen prospective students for these qualifications and then prepare them to apply for the program.

While many of the students do come to us with an automotive background such as college or high school auto shop, ROP, or racing, it is not necessary to have an extensive background. It is important to have a passion for cars and to demonstrate a strong work ethic. Ford dealerships know that CRC will provide the needed training. If an interested student lacks automotive training, we usually suggest that they take a class from one of the auto teachers who also teach in ASSET so that the instructor can get to know them and their work. Then, when the application cycle begins, they will have some training to show to the potential sponsoring Ford/Lincoln dealership and perhaps an instructor endorsement.

General education coursework can be substituted for the ones in the curriculum but all automotive classes must be taken within the ASSET program because of the Ford specific focus. For example, a student who has already taken AMT 303, Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems and then enters the ASSET program will still be required to take AMT 371 – Ford ASSET Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems.

Due to the English and Math requirements we recommend that you first complete your assessment tests. After you have your results you can apply online, or in person. We begin the screening in Spring for the Fall class. This allows time to match students and dealerships before school begins.

Once we have deemed them eligible to participate, the student has the responsibility to approach service managers regarding sponsorship for the ASSET program. The ASSET instructors will help the interested student to locate willing dealerships.