Traditional vs. ASSET
The “traditional” program provides the training to meet the general needs of the automotive industry and does so via a flexible approach and curriculum. The ASSET program has a different focus so it takes a different approach.
1. ASSET how does it differ from the traditional program?
It differs in that the curriculum is entirely Ford focused. Ford commits many resources to this program and hopes to employ the students when they graduate. A very big difference in programs is that the ASSET students are actually sponsored by and employed by a participating dealership. This means that they get paid to go to school. So it is necessary to be screened into the program in order to participate.
Another big difference is that the curriculum is set down “in stone” and the entire class goes through it together (the cohort model). The students will all receive an AA degree AND Ford STST (Service Technician Specialized Training) certificates in two years and one summer of study. Auto classes start at 7:00 am and end at 1:30. From 2:30 to 5:40 the class will attend their general education classes. The trade-off to these long days in training is this; since the classes are only for one-half semester, the ASSET students get to spend the other half of the semester working and being paid at their sponsoring dealership.
As you can see, this is a very intense academic load (the academic portion of the AA is basically completed in one year of study since the terms lengths are half-semester sessions rather than full semester length!) and students should be advised of this when they are trying to decide between ASSET and the traditional automotive program. If one has a weak preparation in general studies, has to work while in school to survive or have very “complicated” lives, ASSET may not be for them. Traditional program students, on the other hand, can take classes at the pace dictated by their lives rather than by the Ford-driven curriculum of ASSET.
2. What are the requirements for the ASSET program?
Since there is no time for academic remediation in the program, the student should be ready for English 101 level composition, read at English 310 or higher level and be ready for an introductory algebra course. NOTE: The composition and math requirements will rise one level for Fall 2009 selection The role of the ASSET counselor (currently, Steve Leake) is to screen them for these qualifications and then prepare them to apply for the program.
Do students need to have auto experience to get into the ASSET program?
Many of the students do come to us with an auto background like college or high school auto shop, ROP or racing, but it is not necessary to have an extensive background. It is important to have a passion for cars and to demonstrate a strong work ethic. Ford dealerships know that CRC will provide the needed training. If an interested student lacks automotive training, we usually suggest that they take a class from one of the auto teachers who also teach in ASSET so that the instructor can get to know them and their work. Then, when the application cycle begins, they will have some training to show to the potential sponsoring Ford/Mazda dealership and perhaps an instructor endorsement.
3. Can other college classes taken previously be used in the ASSET program?
General education coursework can be substituted for the ones in the curriculum but all auto classes must be taken within the ASSET program because of the Ford focus. For example, a student has already taken AMT 320, Ignition Systems and then enters the ASSET program. They will repeat the class again.
4. When should the student apply to the ASSET program?
We begin the screening in Spring for the Fall class. This allows time to match students and dealerships before school begins.
5. Who finds the Ford/Mazda dealer sponsorship?
Once we have deemed them eligible to participate, the student has the responsibility to approach service managers regarding sponsorship for the ASSET program. The ASSET instructors will help the interested student to locate willing dealerships.