CTC RECOGNIZES GRADUATES OF FORD TECHNICIANS PROGRAM
Graduates prepared to start full-time roles at Texas dealerships

KILLEEN, TX — Central Texas College honored 15 students on Tuesday who graduated from the Ford Technicians of Tomorrow program. The students, part of the program’s 10th cohort, will now begin work as full-time technicians at Texas Ford dealerships.

“We are so proud of this partnership that allows us to provide transitioning soldiers and military veterans career opportunities in the automotive industry,” Dr. John DeLeon, dean of service area, adult and workforce education at CTC. “It’s a 14-week program that builds on students’ interest and experience and lands them in a solid career field where they can continue to positively impact their community.”

The graduates include Angel Briceno, Lawrence Buczakowski, Angelo Castillo, Ashley Crockett, Paul Estrada, Larry Gavlick, Patricia Gonzalez, Matthew Guereca, Tyler Johnson, Lucas Kaiser, Aaron Keen, Kelly Maher, Joshua McCrea, Dylan Sutkay and Allen Tran.

Each student completed 120 hours of online work, classroom training at the CTC Career and Technology Education Center and a four-week apprenticeship at a Ford dealership. Upon completion, the graduates are offered employment as entry-level Ford technicians with a sponsoring Ford dealer in Texas. 

Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), CTC conducts the program using Ford’s proprietary curriculum, tools and vehicles. The first month covers technician fundamentals, an introduction to automotive and quick service, dealer apprenticeship and basic electrical. The remaining three months include warranty fundamentals, new model training and elective study. Other key components include shop safety, quick service and vehicle control unit and technical writing. Upon graduation, participants will have received 500 hours of training and hands-on experience and will have earned four Ford certifications – electrical, brakes, climate control and steering and suspension.

Training also includes four weeks of apprenticeship at a sponsoring dealership. During each apprenticeship, participants are provided with task lists designed to reinforce the curriculum. They shadow senior technicians, service advisors, warranty administrators and parts counter staff. Participants work in the shop to prepare them for a production-based environment.

The next Technicians of Tomorrow program starts Jan. 16. For more information, contact the CTC Continuing Education office at (254) 526-1586 or CEeducation@ctcd.edu.