FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patti Blair
pblair@vcccd.edu
(805) 652-5502
OXNARD COLLEGE AUTO TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IS ZOOMING ALONG WITH NEW FORD PARTNERSHIP
College is one of four in California to have Ford Automotive Career Exploration program
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OXNARD, Calif. (September 24, 2019) –
Oxnard College students interested in a career in the automotive services industry can now participate in the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program. Oxnard College is only one of four colleges in California to have this program, which is locally affiliated with Vista Ford in Oxnard.
“Oxnard College is excited to offer our students the opportunity to get Ford trained,” said Kevin Corse, an instructor in the Automotive Technology program. “This program and our partnership with the Vista dealerships will give our students a competitive edge and an early start into Ford accelerated training programs for salary and position advancement.” “This is a great example of a college-business partnership,” added Ventura County Community College District Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “It creates opportunities for our students and helps meet our county’s workforce needs.”The Ford ACE program involves web-based and hands-on learning. Students will receive specialty training in areas such as new model training, electrical systems, steering and suspension, and brakes. In addition, courses cover the history of Ford Motor Company, the company’s vision for future products, collision repair and Ford-specific service routines. According to the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive service technicians and mechanics earn a median pay of $19.57 an hour. Job opportunities for qualified applicants should be very good through 2028, according to the BLS, with many of the job openings occurring at dealerships and independent repair shops.
About Oxnard College
Established in 1975, Oxnard College is a fully accredited California Community College (part of the Ventura County Community College District), providing 10,000 students a year with academically excellent undergraduate study and career technical education programs. Students may choose from over 60 educational disciplines, culminating in transfer degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Oxnard College has strong articulation agreements established with the University of California and California State University systems, as well as transfer partnerships with private universities and colleges. Oxnard College is also home to some of the state’s leading athletic programs, including a championship soccer team.
College Easy Ride Program
Thanks to a partnership with the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), students enrolled at Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College, Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula, CSU Channel Islands, and Cal Lutheran University can participate in the College Easy Ride program. The program enables students to get around Ventura County on public transportation for free. Students simply show the driver their current school ID. For the transit schedule and routes, click here.