Ford ASSET Program Graduates 36th Class

Brooklyn Park, July 25, 2024

Hennepin Technical College, home of the only Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program in Minnesota, honored its thirty-sixth class of graduates on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in a ceremony at the Brooklyn Park Campus.

“Tonight is a great celebration!” President Joy Bodin said as she welcomed celebrants at the ceremony. Twelve graduates were honored in the ceremony by college and transportation industry leaders, program educators, and family and friends for their completion of the two-year Associate’s degree program.

Brian Friede, Ford ASSET instructor, commented on program outcomes, “The key to the program is the dealerships. The students work hands-on with the skills they learn in the classroom, then go to their dealership to apply what they’ve learned.” He continued, “We’re learning a lot more hybrid and electrical stuff, high-voltage battery repair. Cars are evolving, just like the classroom does.”

In his address to the audience of graduates and well-wishers, Hesston Christians, Ford Technical Operations Leader declared, “Choosing Ford ASSET here at HTC was one of the best decisions of my life.” He continued, “Graduates of this program are highly sought after, both inside and outside the automotive industry.” This fact remains relevant across generations, as each Ford ASSET program graduate leaves Hennepin Tech with not only a diploma, but an in-demand, high-wage career.

Ford ASSET was launched at Hennepin Tech in 1985 in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company and local Ford Dealers. Instructors Brian Friede, program faculty for eight years, and Drew Goddard, winner of the Minnesota State Transportation Center for Excellence Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2023, are both proud graduates of the ASSET Program at Hennepin Tech.

When asked about his feelings about the graduating class, Friede beamed, “This has been an awesome class. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

The Ford ASSET program is a collaboration between technical college campuses and Ford and Lincoln dealerships. This partnership gives students an opportunity to learn the trade while earning a living wage. Students alternate for six to eight weeks in the classroom and six to eight weeks with their sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer over a two-year period. At the end of the two years, they earn an Associate’s degree and valuable in-dealer experience.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.