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.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

March 10, 2025

Makenna Enga working on a vehicle — 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

Technicians working on a vehicle — 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.

Topics:Technician Training Ford Pro Scholarships Technicians Maintenance

More Maintenance

CMC Tire commercial service truck parked outside an Arizona tire service facility at sunset.

Maintenance•by Lauren Fletcher•September 16, 2026

Les Schwab Expands Commercial Tire Footprint Into Arizona

Les Schwab Tires has expanded into Arizona with two commercial tire locations in Phoenix and Tucson, strengthening its fleet service footprint in the Southwest.

Volvo semi-truck with a white box trailer parked beneath highway overpasses, viewed from a loading area with a silhouetted person in the foreground.

Maintenance•by News/Media Release•September 15, 2026

Volvo Trucks’ 'Lock and Leave' Software Updates Go Live Across North America

Unattended over-the-air software updates are now available in Volvo trucks across the U.S. and Canada. The new capability lets trucks stay current with the latest software without interrupting operations or requiring a dealership visit.

A technician kneels beside a truck wheel holding a wrench, with bold overlaid text reading, “Technician Appreciation What About the Other 51 Weeks?”

Maintenance•by Lauren Fletcher•September 15, 2026

Why Technician Appreciation Can’t Be a Once-a-Year Thought

For fleets trying to keep skilled technicians, recognition cannot begin and end with Technician Appreciation Week. Learn what year-round appreciation really looks like and why the everyday technician experience matters just as much as pay when fleets are trying to keep good people.

Driver uses a smartphone in the foreground while a fleet professional inspects the tires of a commercial truck.

Maintenance•by Lauren Fletcher•September 8, 2026

How Faster Driver Reporting Can Keep Small Truck Problems Small

When minor damage, warning lights, or equipment issues are reported late, small problems can quickly become bigger maintenance headaches. Conversational AI can help shorten the path from what a driver notices in the field to the person who can act on it.