TEXARKANA, Texas - Texas High School students who wish to pursue a career in automotive technology are now getting hands-on experience as interns at Todd Shores' McLarty Ford.
Texarkana Independent School District has been named an official Ford Motor Company Technician Training Program, which gives the students the opportunity to learn Ford-specific training on two cars Shores' McLarty Ford donated to the Career and Technology Education department Tuesday.
The donation is part of the Ford Automotive Career Exploration program, which gives interns the potential opportunities to become a master technician, shop foreman, service manager or general manager.
John Tostanoski, market area technical placement specialist for the central market area of the Ford Motor Company, said they provide the ACE program because of a huge demand for automotive technicians, a high-paying career that can be long-lasting.
"At Texas High and Texarkana College, you can take Ford-specific automotive technician training classes and can take those with you to the dealership," he said. "Because of the success that we've had and generosity from McLarty Ford, they decided to donate two vehicles as a technical resource for the students to work on. Now they can actually put their hands on real-world technology that's new. One of the vehicles actually has a touch screen. It's showing them what real Ford customers are buying these days. The level of technology is extremely high and the need for training is ever more prevalent."
The dealership has had two Texas High students come in as interns. One of those students, 18-year-old Alejandro Zarate, graduated last year and has had two promotions at Shores' McLarty Ford. He now does recall work and said the program has really helped him choose a career.
"It helped me in so many different ways because I didn't know what path I was going to take after high school," he said. "This gave me the opportunity to do something after high school."
Zarate also received on-the-job training and said he eventually wants to work his way up to diesel technology.
Carla Dupree, Texas High School principal, said Zarate's career with the dealership is a prime example of what the program can do for students.
"He is working full time and has already had two promotions," she said. "This is something that has not only opened up doors for him, but for his family. It means a whole lot."
Shores, dealer principal of Todd Shores' McLarty Ford, said the program helps them, as well.
"For the dealership, we are in demand for young technicians, any type of technician and this gave us an opportunity to talk to the students, interview the students," he said. "We have students that have wanted to do this as a career. Hopefully, this will make our workforce younger and grow in the future. We're always going to have a need for this type of technician at our dealership and with Ford Motor Company selecting us in this pilot program, we knew TISD would support it and we think it's a win for everyone."
TISD Superintendent Paul Norton said the program is a great opportunity to place students in the workforce and thanked Shores and Ford Motor Company for the opportunity for them to receive top-notch training.
"It helps them get prepared for the workforce and we all know that Texarkana's not going to grow if we don't have a qualified, ready workforce," he said. "This is a great opportunity and great willingness on their part to allow students to come in and be a part of the internship program. I think it sets up for a great opportunity down the road to continue to grow in this area and not only with Mr. Shores, but lots of other dealerships, manufacturers. But Mr. Shores will always be the one who stepped up first and took the chance on TISD and gave our kids this opportunity and we are forever grateful for that."
For more information on the ACE program, go to www.newfordtech.com.