How to Become a Ford Mechanic in 5 Steps

Research what it takes to become a Ford mechanic. Learn about education requirements, key responsibilities, job outlook and average salary to find out if this is the career for you.

What is a Ford Mechanic?

Ford mechanics use their knowledge of auto repairs to work on cars and trucks, with a focus on Ford Motor Company vehicles. These automotive service technicians and mechanics are often tasked with performing automotive maintenance, such such oil changes, tire rotations and checking fluid levels.They may also be asked to repair automotive systems, such as brakes and transmissions. In today's automotive industry they are likely to use computerized diagnostic equipment, along with technical manuals when making repairs, especially when working for manufacturing companies like Ford Motor Company. View the following information for an overview on what it takes to enter the field.

Educational Requirements	High school diploma or equivalent is generally required for all mechanics, with additional Ford specific programs available at UTI
Key Responsibilities	Mechanical skills, dexterity, problem solving skills, high attention to detail
Job Growth (2020-2030)	0% (for all automotive service technicians and mechanics)*
Median Salary (2022)	$52,154 (for automotive service technicians & mechanics at Ford Motor Company)**

Sources: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com

Step 1: Research and Choose a Ford Mechanic Training Program

Ford has four education and training programs designed to prepare you for a career as a Ford mechanic. The Automotive Student Service Educational Training Program (ASSET) is a 2-year curriculum that includes a cooperative education program. The Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program is a joint program with the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Students complete a year at UTI before enrolling a 15-week program that includes service technician specialty training. The Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) and the Youth and Adult Automotive Training Center (YAATC) programs are 1-year certificate programs that can be earned at certain community and technical colleges.

Step 2: Enroll in a Program

Once you have selected your route to becoming a Ford mechanic, you need to apply to the program. Depending on the program type, you may need to have completed a high school diploma or GED, or have experience as a mechanic. Many high schools offer vocational courses in automotive technology that may help prepare you for an education program in the field.

Step 3: Gain Cooperative Experience

If you are enrolled in the ASSET program, you will work with a participating Ford dealership and earn money while gaining hands-on experience. You are responsible for the cost of tuition, books and tools related to the program, and wages paid by the dealership can help defray your costs. While you'll gain hands-on experience through the other Ford technical career entry programs, it might not be at a dealership or through a paying job.

Step 4: Get a Job

Once you complete your Ford technical training program, you can discuss your career options with the program coordinator at your chosen school. You can also enter your education and expertise information into Ford's Technician Talent Network, an online career-talent matching database, to help you find jobs that may suit your skills.

Step 5: Become Certified

After you have been employed for about two years, you can seek certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certifications demonstrate your knowledge of automotive areas. To become certified, you must meet experience requirements and pass a certification exam.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

Those interested in becoming an automotive mechanic don't have to specialize in a particular company like Ford Motors Company, they may apply their skills to work with any make and work in place that are not associated with one automotive manufacturer or another. A person however may specialize in diesel engine repair and become a diesel service technician or mechanic. Besides automotive engine repair a person may specialize on working on large industrial engines as a heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician, or they may choose to work on smaller engines, like motorcycles and boats as a small engine mechanic. For those who like to work on other parts of an automobile, they may pursue a careers as a automotive body and glass repairers.