Ford Invests $4M to Tackle Auto Technician Shortage
Ford is investing $4 million in auto tech scholarships to help address the nationwide technician shortage, providing 800 students with financial support.
March 10, 2025
Makenna Enga turned her passion for auto mechanics into a career with the help of a Ford scholarship. Now, she’s breaking barriers and aiming for Formula One.
Photo: Ford Pro
2 min to read
Ford is continuing its efforts to address the critical nationwide shortage of automotive technicians with a $4 million investment in its Auto Tech Scholarship program. This follows a $1 million investment in 2023 and a $2 million investment in 2024, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building a skilled workforce.
As vehicles become increasingly complex, the demand for trained technicians is surging. By 2028, the industry will need an estimated 471,000 automotive technicians, leaving approximately three open positions for every graduating technician.
To help bridge this gap, Ford Dealers and Ford Philanthropy are expanding their scholarship program, awarding 800 students with $5,000 scholarships each, a substantial increase from 200 scholarships in 2023. This initiative ensures that dealerships can service modern, technology-driven vehicles while providing career opportunities for aspiring technicians.
A Scholarship That Fuels Passion and Career Growth
Makenna Enga’s story is a testament to how scholarships can empower individuals in male-dominated fields.
Originally planning to play college soccer, Makenna discovered a passion for auto mechanics despite having no family background in the industry. Through self-study and hands-on projects, she honed her skills and enrolled in an auto tech program, only to face financial barriers.
A Ford scholarship enabled her to continue her education, equipping her with essential skills for success. Now a technician, Makenna is dedicated to providing honest service, educating customers, and breaking stereotypes in the industry. Her ultimate goal is to work in Formula One racing.
How to Apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship
Ford is investing in the next generation of auto technicians, like Mustafa Alhefady (left) and Keiry Perex-Ruiz (right), expanding its scholarship program to help students pursue hands-on careers in a growing industry.
Photo: Ford Pro
Students interested in a hands-on career with six-figure earning potential can apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship through September. Eligible students will be selected from across the country.
Applications are open at TechForce.org.
For more information on Ford’s initiatives to support aspiring technicians and the latest industry insights, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
More Maintenance
Jasper Expands Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar Gen II Engine Availability
Jasper Engines & Transmissions now has expanded availability of the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar Gen II engine for the 2018-2025 Jeep Wrangler and the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator.
Read More →
Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care Launches SHIELD, a Purpose-Built Field Service Application
As Coltrain Onsite marks its first year of operations, having grown to more than 100 team members across 14 states, the company is launching SHIELD, its proprietary field service application designed to set a new standard for quality in mobile fleet maintenance.
Read More →
Preparing Your Fleet for Extreme Heat
Hot weather puts extra stress on commercial vehicles. In this video, Mike Hagaman of Cox Fleet shares simple maintenance steps that can help fleets avoid costly downtime.
Read More →
Fleetio Launches PartsTech Integration, Potentially Helping Fleets Save up to 15 Minutes on Each Purchase Order
Fleetio’s integration with PartsTech brings parts sourcing and ordering into a single connected Fleetio workflow, reducing administrative work and potentially saving users up to 15 minutes per purchase order.
Read More →
6 Main Causes of Hot-Weather Fleet Downtime
Summer heat can lead to costly fleet downtime. In this video, Mike Hagaman of Cox Fleet explains the six key systems fleets should inspect and maintain to help prevent roadside breakdowns.
Read More →
ASE Connects’ Back-to-School Giveaway: Schools Can Win Tools and Prizes from Snap-on
As part of a back-to-school giveaway, ASE Connects and Snap-on will provide four schools with prizes, including three $250 Snap-on gift cards and a grand prize of a Snap-on cart and tool set valued at over $11,000.
Read More →
BendPak Opens Donald R. Henthorn Industrial Complex in Alabama
BendPak has completed Phase 1 of construction of the Donald R. Henthorn Industrial Complex, which includes a new logistics and distribution center. The complex is situated on 33 acres near BendPak’s existing East Coast campus in Mobile County, Alabama.
Read More →
As Maintenance Costs Rise, Some Work Trucks and Vans Cost Thousands Less to Maintain
Maintenance costs are still climbing, but some 2026 pickups and cargo vans could save fleets thousands per vehicle. The real surprise is not just how much they cost to maintain, but how often they need to leave the road.
Read More →
Kerry Brothers Truck Repair Expands Rapidly Across Southeast Michigan with 3 Acquisitions and New Wixom Facility
Acquisitions of Kustom Truck & Trailer, Vehicle Clinic and Downriver Truck and Bus, along with a new 20,000-square-foot Wixom facility, extend Kerry Brothers’ footprint east, south, west and north across the greater Detroit region.
Read More →
Kooner Fleet Management Solutions Named Fleetio Premier Partner
Fleetio has named Kooner Fleet Management Solutions as a Premier Partner within Fleetio’s Maintenance Shop Network. As a Fleetio Premier Partner, Kooner's designation reflects its commitment to delivering reliable maintenance services and supporting fleets through high-quality service.
Read More →