The Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at Centennial College would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. for the donation of four 2020 models (F-150, F-350, Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Aviator), and two 2019 models (Ford Ranger and F-150) to the School of Transportation to be used in its automotive service training program.
This donation is of the utmost importance considering the country-wide shortage of trained professionals in this field, as it will help ensure Centennial offers the latest technology for teaching the next generation of automotive technicians. The contribution of these vehicles will allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience as they will have access to the right equipment and up-to-date vehicles to practice on.
“Ford of Canada and Centennial College continue to share an instrumental partnership in the automotive industry that has lasted more than 30 years. Having the support of a manufacture, like Ford, strengthens the program by supplying it with cutting edge equipment, tools, training aids and resources” commented Mike Dennie, professor and coordinator of the Ford ASSET program at Centennial College. “These new vehicles will help us to ensure that our graduates’ experiences reflect as close as possible to the industry they’re a part of.”
The donation is part of a nationwide initiative in which Ford of Canada is donating a total of 95 vehicles to automotive technology educational institutions across the country. These vehicles were damaged due to flooding last year and have been deemed irreparable. As such, Ford of Canada saw an opportunity to bring some of the latest in vehicle technology to automotive programs across Canada.
“Supporting future automotive technicians has always been a priority for Ford Motor Company,” said Dave Shuttleworth, Service Engineering & Technical Training Manager, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. “These six vehicles will be vital for student learning and development and will offer access to the latest automotive technology. We are excited to watch these technicians grow and start their careers in the industry.”
As professor Dennie concludes: “Ford has always supplied the ASSET program with the latest and greatest; as a graduate of the program and now as the coordinator, I’m elated to see that support continue. We cannot give enough thanks to all the people over the years who have made these donations happen, this would not be the program is it today without the help.”
On behalf of the entire Centennial College community, we would like to say thank you to Ford of Canada and to share our wishes for many more fruitful years in this partnership.
Sincerely,
The Office of Development and Alumni Engagement