This major includes advanced operating theories of automotive systems and components. Students learn to apply automotive operating principles and to diagnose malfunctions in automotive systems.
The course work emphasizes the development of skills in service, repair, and test procedures in relation to Ford vehicles and systems. Instruction will be on a rotating basis between classroom/shop activities and a sponsoring Ford/Lincoln dealership.
Specific courses also prepare the student for transfer to four-year colleges. Instruction will be on Ford/Lincoln automobiles. The major prepares students to take written certification exams, for example, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exams and the Ford Service Technician Specialty Training exams.
The ASSET program is the most structured automotive program at Penn College. It is built around the alternating eight-week classroom and eight-week co-op sessions. Each semester is scheduled to include the required academic classes. The scheduled academic classes are also eight-week classes designed to coincide with the automotive classes.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy, renewable energy, and the environment.
Program Specs
- Major Code: FA – view in catalog
- School: Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Total Credits: 74
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
Accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
ASSET is a partnership between Ford Motor Company; Ford and Lincoln dealers; and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
The Ford ASSET program is designed to prepare the graduate for a career as a certified technician with a Ford or Lincoln dealership. The curriculum is delivered with this as the main goal. Students become familiar with the diagnostic materials and equipment specific to Ford and Lincoln vehicles as well as the basic operating theory and fundamentals of automotive systems in general and Ford vehicles in particular.
Read about the Ford Technical Career Entry Program
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
Service technician, service equipment representative, rebuilding shop assembler, repair shop operator, parts and inventory control.
Ford and Lincoln dealerships became involved with the ASSET program with the intention of hiring the ASSET graduate full-time. In fact, the majority of graduates go on to become full-time employees. But, please note that this is not a guarantee of employment. Upon graduation, it is left to you and dealership as to whether you become a full-time employee. The dealership is under no obligation to hire you full-time upon graduation, nor are you required to work for the dealership for any set period following graduation.
While the Ford specific objectives covered in the ASSET program are meant to prepare students for a career with a Ford or Lincoln dealership, the technical skills that graduates acquire may be applied to any motor vehicle produced. Vehicle systems across manufacturers are generally more similar in operation than different.
Graduates have gone on to work successfully as technicians for brands other than Ford. Other graduates have continued with their education and gone on to complete bachelor's degrees at Penn College.
Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $39,550 in May 2017. The top 10 percent earned more than $65,430.
Industries with the highest published employment for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile Dealers | 237,060 | $21.86 | $45,470 |
| Automotive Repair and Maintenance | 228,400 | $19.17 | $39,880 |
| Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores | 64,070 | $17.81 | $37,030 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 16,490 | $24.91 | $51,820 |
| Gasoline Stations | 15,290 | $19.09 | $39,700 |
Statistics reported in May 2017
Special Admissions Requirements
A prospective student will need dealer sponsorship prior to the Ford Dealership internship and acceptance into the major.
- Find at least one sponsor – more on finding a sponsor
- Prepare a résumé for the sponsor(s) – we offer a Micosoft Word or Adobe PDF résumé template
- Prepare a portfolio that contains your résumé, Dealer Sponsor form, Student and Dealer Information pack
- Submit the portfolio to all dealers in your area in person; do not just call
- Be clean, neat, and confident
- Bring a pen with you
- Be prepared to share your interests and career goals
- Show enthusiasm
- The sponsor will contact you with their decision
About sponsorship
The ASSET program is a cooperative education program. The classroom training sessions are designed to be followed by hands-on training at a dealership to reinforce the concepts and practices taught in class. This is a different approach than that used by many vocational programs. The co-op sessions comprise slightly more than 50% of the ASSET training.
Also, the student who chooses the ASSET program is assumed to have made a career decision prior to beginning the program. The training provided during the co-op session is a crucial component for the success of the student in the dealership after completing the program.
Finding a sponsor
You are urged to contact a dealer near your home prior to beginning the ASSET program and secure sponsorship. You may use the Ford Motor Company Dealer Finder page to locate a dealership near your home. Dealerships generally do not sponsor students who live more than 30 minutes away.
In some cases there are specific dealer requests for students. Only students from that area are referred to those dealers. If you have been unsuccessful in locating a sponsoring dealership, the faculty will assist you in locating one.
The dealership completes the ASSET Student Sponsor Form before the beginning of the first co-op session. This document covers the period of time you are registered in the program and is not an agreement to hire you after graduation. The obligations of the dealer are detailed in our agreement for Ford ASSET.
Internship Requirement
Read more about the required internship.
Ford ASSET Co-op Task Lists
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College. Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tool List
The list below includes the basic set of tools required.
You are not required to purchase the Snap-On set. It is listed as an example only. You may purchase any brand you want and are advised to shop around when considering an investment in tools. Also, this set is the basic starting set of tools; you should be aware that an investment in tools continues during your working career.
- Automotive Technology: Ford ASSET General Tool List
- Automotive Technology: Ford ASSET Snap On Tool List Snap On brand, includes all tool numbers
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
SkillsUSA
Penn College Motorsports Association
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Automotive Ford Asset Advisory Committee
- Mr. Doug Dietrich, Service Manager, Haldeman Ford
- Mr. Donald D Dresse, Jr., Service Director, Fairfield Auto Group
- Ms. Patricia Kahler, Automotive Service Department Manager, Haldeman Ford Lincoln
- Mr. Joshua Keister, Shop Manager, Lead Technician, Hoffman Ford Land
- Mr. Jason Kline, Director of Parts and Services, Bob Ruth Ford
- Mr. Jamie Kring, Service Manager, Tom Masano Auto Group
- Mr. Rob Mathias, Service Director, Maguire's Ford of Hershey
- Mr. Bradley Miller, '12, Field Service Engineer, Ford Motor Company
- Mr. Jared Mills, Field Service Engineer, Ford Motor Company
- Mr. Kerry Straub, Service Manager, Sunbury Motors
- Mr. Norm Zoumas, District Aide, PA House of Representatives
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
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