ASSET is a partnership between Ford Motor Company, OSU Institute of Technology, and Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers. It is a two-year program designed to develop entry-level service technicians for Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. ASSET provides a unique work-study experience that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. The ASSET Program has been carefully planned to provide service technicians who are proficient in the latest automotive service technologies and methods.
- Ensures that ASSET-trained service technicians are able to understand and work with new systems and components as they are introduced.
- Enables ASSET-trained personnel to advance in their career paths after additional dealership experience.
Students participate in 7 1/2 weeks of classroom instruction, alternating with 8 weeks of full-time work experience at a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership. The system allows students to become familiar with the dealership environment, while applying and reinforcing what has been learned in the classroom.
- ASSET graduates are providing a high level of service competency and efficiency to Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships.
ASSET graduates have lucrative careers with their Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealership sponsors.
- ASSET graduates have acquired the skills necessary for career advancement.
The curriculum at OSU Institute of Technology includes technical training on current model Ford and Lincoln-Mercury vehicles and components, with emphasis on the latest developments in engine repair, automotive electrical and electronic engine control systems, brakes, front ends, automatic and manual transmissions, fuel systems and emission control systems. To build the background necessary for effective communication of ideas, and to increase opportunities for career advancement, students also enroll in general education courses such as Technical Writing, Psychology, US Government, Speech and Business Mathematics. ASSET Graduates also receive valuable Ford certification credentials.
In order to be eligible to participate in the ASSET Program, prospective students must:
- Be sponsored by a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership.
- Be able to meet and maintain high academic standards and adhere to OSU Institute of Technology's academic policies.
- Participate in all learning activities at the scheduled times.
- Provide the sponsoring dealership with responsible and productive employment.
- Be responsible for program costs, which include tuition, fees, books and tools.
- Hold a valid driver's license.
- Be a high school graduate (or equivalent).
- Be 18 years of age or older by the time of the first dealership work assignment.
- Have the ambition and vision to succeed in a challenging profession.
To become a student of the ASSET Program at OSU Institute of Technology, take the following actions:
- Contact OSU Institute of Technology's Ford Asset program at 918-293-5390.
- Arrange a meeting with the ASSET program coordinator.
- Make arrangements to complete the program admission requirements.
- Work with the Ford Asset program coordinator to obtain sponsorship with a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Applicants who successfully complete the school screening procedures and are hired by a dealer will receive a letter of acceptance from OSU Institute of Technology.
Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers play a key role in the ASSET Program. A sponsoring ASSET dealer:
- Interviews and selects prospective students on a scheduled interview day.
- Appoints an in-dealership coordinator to assist the school ASSET coordinator in planning and monitoring the cooperative work experience.
- Provides appropriate work experience that reinforces your most recent classroom instruction.
- Provides you with uniforms (consistent with the dealer's policy for other dealership employees).
As driving force behind the ASSET Program Ford Motor Company has the following responsibilities:
- Oversee and participate in the student selection procedure.
- Participate in the ASSET instructor selection process.
- Provide advanced technical training for the ASSET instructor.
- Furnish the school with Ford and Lincoln-Mercury training vehicles, components, and essential training materials (including technical publications and training aids).
- Monitor all phases of the ASSET Program to ensure success.
