SkillsUSA, Ford expand student support efforts

SkillsUSA has shared details on its partnership with Ford Philanthropy to expand collision, advanced manufacturing, and automotive programs and support for students.

A joint press release from the organizations says the partnership has three focus areas:

• • “Develop advanced manufacturing and automotive programs for high school and postsecondary students in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and New York, with a focus on schools within a 15-mile radius of Ford’s plants.
  • “Establish a new grant to cover transportation costs to and from SkillsUSA programs and competitions to help eliminate financial barriers for students who need it most.
  • “Provide Ford employees from manufacturing, auto tech recruiting, collision, and Ford plant teams to serve as judges at SkillsUSA competitions, mentor students, and lead plant tours to help expose students to different career paths in advanced manufacturing and automotive industries.”

Ford first announced the partnership with SkillsUSA, among other key initiatives, in September during FordPro Accelerate at Michigan Central Station in Detroit.

“As the job market continues to change, and key industries like manufacturing and automotive need skilled workers, our goal at Ford Philanthropy remains simple: to modernize hands-on learning, remove financial barriers to participation, and inspire students by showcasing exciting future careers within the advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy, in the release.

The partnership will impact more than 100,000 students across seven states.

“Our partnership with Ford is critical to solving the skilled labor gap and sustaining local economies,” said SkillsUSA’s Executive Director Chelle Travis, in the release. “Both SkillsUSA and Ford are committed to preparing the next generation of the skilled workforce for these high-wage, in-demand, stable, and family-sustaining jobs — all possible with little to no debt.

“Careers in manufacturing and automotive look a lot different today. Ford and SkillsUSA will ensure students are prepared with the employability skills they’ll need to be successful.”

Another example of Ford Philanthropy’s educational support is in its partnership with Enterprise Mobility to expand the Collision Engineering Program (CEP) to an additional school in 2023.

CEP is a national workforce development program founded by Enterprise and Ranken Technical College that offers a two-year apprenticeship to attract and develop entry-level talent to fill essential roles in the collision repair industry.

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