Ford ASSET instructor Kris Young wins National Steel Apple Award from Carhartt

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Representatives from Carhartt and TechForce Foundation presented the award to Young in front of his students, along with a $10,000 grant to invest in his HFC classroom and a $250 Carhartt gift card. Each of his students also received a Carhartt backpack, beanie, and $25 gift card. Carhartt is known for its support of workers and for its heavy-duty, durable workwear and casual clothing and gear. TechForce connects students and working technicians to scholarships, jobs, training, and industry resources.

Young was recognized for his more than two decades of dedication to automotive education and for creating opportunities for students to complete specialized manufacturer training outside of a traditional manufacturer training center. His commitment to expanding the program is helping more students access advanced, career-focused automotive education.

Starting at HFC, returning to teach

Young’s personal story began in the program he now leads. A Detroit native, he is a graduate of the HFC Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) program — the only such program in Michigan — and earned an associate degree in automotive service technology from HFC before completing a bachelor's degree at Siena Heights University. He worked on gas and diesel vehicles before joining the HFC faculty in 2007.

In 2024, Young became the first ASSET instructor in the nation to reach 10 years as a Ford Service Engineering Operations (SEO) Senior Master, a status that requires hundreds of hours of ongoing training to maintain. He is also a State of Michigan Master Certified Technician and holds ASE Master certifications in automobile and medium/heavy truck technology.

“Kris Young is proof of the transformative power of Henry Ford College,” said HFC President David M. Knezek, Jr. “He started here as an ASSET student, and for the past 20 years has been preparing the next generation of Ford and Lincoln technicians to the highest standard in the country. Kris is one of our expert faculty who connect students directly to in-demand careers, and prepare them for a lifetime of success. The Board of Trustees and I warmly congratulate Kris on this well-deserved national recognition, and we thank Carhartt, our Dearborn neighbor, for shining a national spotlight on the educators who keep the skilled trades, and our region, moving forward.”

HFC Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development Dr. Pat Chatman expressed her pride in Young’s accomplishments during the award presentation. “This award is an example of what exemplary teaching can achieve in preparing students for their future careers,” she said. “Kris’ commitment to his students and passion for teaching and learning in the automotive industry exemplify the very best in education and Henry Ford College. I am proud that this award draws national attention to Kris’ dedication, excellence in teaching, and lasting impact on the next generation of automotive professionals.”

Carhartt’ team warmly congratulated Young on his award: “On behalf of everyone at Carhartt, thank you for your unwavering commitment to educating, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of skilled trades workers,” said Todd Corley, Carhartt’s Chief People and Impact Officer, in his letter to Young. “We are honored to celebrate educators and mentors like you, whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom and into the future of the students, families and communities you help shape every day.”

What motivates and inspires Young

“At first, I was in complete shock—I had absolutely no idea I had been selected for this award,” said Young, after the HFC and Carhartt teams carefully crafted a surprise award presentation during his class. “After more than 20 years of training new automotive technicians, I’m incredibly proud and grateful to receive this kind of recognition for something I care so much about.“

Young spoke about the value of the $10,000 classroom donation to students. “This donation is going to be amazing for our students because it will allow us to bring new technology and equipment into the classroom that I haven’t been able to provide in the past. The automotive industry changes incredibly quickly, and our students need experience with the same types of technology they’ll encounter in the dealership. This will allow us to improve the hands-on learning experience and take what we can do in the program to another level. Ultimately, that means better-prepared students who can perform at a higher level when they enter the industry.”

Young said he is extremely optimistic about the future of the industry, even at a time when AI and other technologies are growing. “Vehicles and technology will continue to change, and AI will change how we diagnose and service them, but AI can’t physically repair a vehicle. Skilled technicians are always going to be needed, and I’m proud to help students build careers where they can make a good living doing something they enjoy.”

Nearly 2 million skilled trades openings each year

Established at HFC in 1986, the Ford ASSET program is a partnership between Henry Ford College and Ford Motor Company. Students alternate eight-week classroom sessions on campus with full-time paid work at a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealership. In about 20 months, graduates earn an associate degree in automotive service technology, Ford certifications, and in most cases, a full-time position at their sponsoring dealership.

Carhartt's Steel Apple Awards are part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening skilled trades education and career pathways, which also includes the For the Love of Labor program and founding membership in the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades. The need is significant: the U.S. must fill more than 1.7 million skilled trades job openings each year.

Learn more about the Ford ASSET program at HFC.