Mid Michigan College’s Automotive and Diesel Service program receives support from Midland Ford Lincoln dealership
The support comes in the form of three donated cars on which the program’s students will receive hands-on training. The gift is valued at $80,000.
Mid Michigan College's Automotive and Diesel Service program has received three cars that will allow students to gain experience working on newer vehicles. The cars come courtesy of the local Midland Ford Lincoln dealership, and include a 2015 Ford Fiesta, a 2016 Ford Focus, and a 2024 Ford Mustang.
According to an article on Mid Michigan College’s website, Shawn Troy, who serves as the school’s dean of Workforce and Career Education, was quoted as saying of the donation, “We’re grateful to receive this generous donation on behalf of the College, and appreciate the support of our local partners, which allows us to continue training our students on top-notch technology so they are ready to enter the workforce successfully. Students benefit from extensive hands-on training in a lab environment, providing them with real-world work experience.”
The Automotive and Diesel Service program is located within the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District’s Magnus Center and the program is the state of Michigan’s first Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program. Ford ACE is a partnership between Ford Motors, Ford dealerships, and education centers to help generate interest in working in the automotive industry. Students in the program can get an associate degree in two years or a credential in one year, plus they can also work toward industry certifications.
Mickelle Wiegert of Midland Ford Lincoln explained the benefit of partnerships like these. “As a local employer, it’s important to us to encourage students to pursue automotive careers and to help when we can by expanding their access to new technologies. Our partnership with Mid continues to evolve and we’re eager and happy to support these students and help them succeed,” said Wiegert.
Tim Hood, the president of Mid Michigan College, added that the partnership is a “win-win:” “At Mid we pride ourselves on meeting students where the rubber meets the road. By collaborating with our partners, like Midland Ford Lincoln, students develop key skills that employers seek out when hiring new team members—a true win-win for all involved.”
For more information about Mid Michigan College, visit the school’s website.