Press Release: Ribbon Cutting for Ford TRAC Program

MONTGOMERY- Trenholm State Community College celebrated the ribbon cutting of its facility for the Ford Technician Ready Accelerated Certification (TRAC) Program, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Ford Motor Company and Stivers Ford. The collaboration brings together higher education, industry expertise, and employer engagement to create an accelerated pathway to high-demand automotive careers.

Ford TRAC addresses the growing need for skilled automotive technicians by combining the strengths of all three partners. Trenholm State provides educational foundation, instruction, and hands-on training; Ford Motor Company provides industry expertise, manufacturer-aligned curriculum, and technical standards; and Stivers Ford provides employer engagement, mentorship, and connections to the dealership environment.

Together, the partners provide students with classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, industry mentorship, and exposure to the latest automotive technologies, including diagnostics, electrification, and computerized vehicle systems. This collaborative approach prepares students with the technical skills and industry experience needed to pursue careers with Ford-affiliated dealerships and other automotive employers.

“Trenholm State Community College is committed to meeting the workforce needs of businesses and industries throughout the River Region and the State of Alabama. By launching the first-in-the-nation Ford TRAC program in partnership with Ford Motor Company and Stivers Ford, we are bringing education and industry together to create an innovative, hands-on training opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of skilled automotive technicians. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when higher education, industry, and employers work together to create meaningful career pathways for our students.” — Dr. Kemba Chambers, President, Trenholm State Community College

Ford TRAC offers an accelerated alternative to the traditional Ford certification pathway while maintaining the quality, technical standards and rigor required by the automotive industry. Through progressive training, students can develop their technical skills and industry certifications while gaining exposure to real-world automotive service expectations. The partnership also incorporates an earn-while-you-learn model, helping make technical education more financially accessible while creating a sustainable talent pipeline for Ford and its dealer network. Students are positioned to transition from training into employment opportunities with Ford-affiliated dealerships and other automotive service providers.

“Ford TRAC reflects our commitment to strengthening the Essential Economy by bringing together Ford’s technical expertise, Trenholm State’s academic rigor and Stivers Ford’s employer engagement and mentorship. This collaboration demonstrates how industry, education and employers can work together to create a streamlined pathway into skilled technical careers. By prioritizing financial affordability through an earn-while-you-learn model, we are building a durable talent pipeline and lasting career opportunities for the people who keep America moving.” — George Francis, Ford Motor Company

Stivers Ford’s involvement reinforces the importance of employer partnerships in career and technical education. By working alongside Trenholm State and Ford Motor Company, Stivers Ford helps connect students’ education and training to the expectations of today’s automotive service industry.

“The Stivers Automotive Group and Stivers Ford are proud to have worked alongside Ford Motor Company and Trenholm State Community College to establish this first-of-its-kind career technical training program for automotive technicians. This program represents what can happen when industry, education, and employers come together around a common goal. Modeled after the successful FAME program, Ford TRAC provides an affordable, scalable model that technical colleges with automotive programs can replicate nationwide. Its scholarship model creates an accessible pathway for students, Ford, and its dealers while helping address the industrywide shortage of more than 70,000 skilled technicians. Stivers is proud to partner with Ford and Trenholm State on this effort and grateful for the dedication of Trenholm State and the Alabama Community College System in bringing this innovative approach to career technical education to Montgomery. We are especially thankful to Ford and its corporate leadership for prioritizing this urgent workforce need. As an American manufacturer, Ford continues to lead in creating high-paying, skilled American jobs. We are proud that Montgomery, Alabama, is helping demonstrate a streamlined pathway to high-demand careers in the automotive repair industry.”
— Eddie Stivers, Stivers Ford

The ribbon cutting demonstrates the power of a strong education-industry-employer partnership. Trenholm State Community College, Ford Motor Company and Stivers Ford are working together to prepare students for high-demand automotive careers, strengthen the pipeline of skilled technicians, and create an innovative, affordable pathway to rewarding careers in Alabama’s automotive industry.