Ford ASSET program at HFC turns 40
The Fall 2025 semester marks the 40th anniversary of the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program. HFC’s ASSET program, which began in 1986, is the only one in Michigan.
ASSET is a partnership between HFC and Ford Motor Company, offering a unique combination of classroom learning and practical experience. It is the only program of its kind in Michigan. ASSET allows HFC students to earn an associate degree in automotive service technology while receiving on-the-job training at a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealership. Students alternate between eight-week periods of classroom sessions and full-time dealership work. This allows them to gain direct industry experience applying learned theory to a real-world setting. They also become familiar with the dealership environment, its organizational structure, and the capabilities expected of a professional automotive technician.
“ASSET has evolved greatly over the years, but it has always continued to focus on training future Ford and Lincoln dealership technicians,” said ASSET Program Coordinator Kristopher Young. “It takes all three parties working together to make sure the student technicians have a successful start to their new careers.”
Award-winning ASSET instructor and HFC alumnus oversees ASSET program
Young, who is also an HFC alumnus, has taught at the College since 2007. After earning his associate degree in automotive service technology from HFC, he transferred to Siena Heights University and earned his bachelor’s degree in automotive service technology. In 2024, he was recognized as the first ASSET instructor in the nation to achieve 10 years of being a Service Engineering Operations (SEO) Senior Master.
“I was an ASSET student and went through the program, working as a Senior Master Technician in both gas and diesel vehicles for 10 years,” he said. “I am one of four ASSET instructors out of 41 schools and 75 instructors across the country to maintain Senior Master status as an instructor for 10 consecutive years.”
Ford Customer Service Division Director, Technician Support Operations Stacy Balzer lauded the efforts of Young and his fellow ASSET instructors.
“The Ford ASSET program thrives because of the dedication and leadership you provide every day. Your commitment to excellence ensures that students receive the highest quality education and training, so they are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the automotive world. Thank you for your continued support, your persevering effort, and the passion you bring to the ASSET program. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on students and the industry as a whole. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and success together!” said Balzer.
The ASSET program in action
ASSET is a cohort program that begins in the fall semester of even-numbered years. The students take every class together for the five semesters of the program. The students are in class for eight weeks. Then, during the second half of the semester, they work full-time at their respective dealerships.
During the work period (co-op), the students are assigned a mentor who helps them apply their learning in a real-world environment, providing them with on-the-job training. The study-work-study-work transition throughout the program ensures the students’ skills are 100% up to date in a fast-moving, ever-changing industry.
“Each class has a written test on which the students must score 80% or better to earn credit toward their certification, as well as a hands-on test. If the students pass both the written and hands-on tests for each certification area and complete all the web-based training, they leave the program with 100% of the available Ford certifications, their associate degree, and a full-time job at the dealership where they’ve worked,” explained Young.
Students learn essential skills useful throughout their careers
All of this is completed within 20 months. The students learn essential skills that help ensure they will never be out of work.
“They can also do work at home for friends and family, and can choose to be as busy as they want,” said Young.
The program enrolls students on a first-come/first-serve basis. It usually begins with 20-24 students and finishes with 18-20.
“ASSET is a true gem within the Automotive Technology department,” said HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD) Associate Dean of Industrial Technologies Dr. Sašo Krstovski. “It represents a strong and valuable partnership with Ford designed to develop highly skilled dealership technicians.”
For more information about the Ford ASSET Program, contact Young at 313-845-6324 or ksyoung@hfcc.edu.