Black River Technical College (BRTC) is proud to announce a developing partnership with Ford Motor Company. The partnership is designed to create meaningful opportunities for students through networking, recruiting, internships, and future employment pathways.
On Wednesday, September 3, Vice President of Student Affairs Jason Smith, Dean of Business and Technology Phillip Dickson, and Director of Student Career Readiness Shane Copeland welcomed representatives from Ford Motor Company to the Pocahontas campus. The visit marked an exciting step towards connecting students with one of the world’s leading automotive companies.
“BRTC is happy to establish a partnership with Ford Motor Company that will directly benefit our Auto Service Technology students,” Dickson said. “This collaboration opens doors for our students to pursue placement in auto technician positions at local, state, and national dealerships providing life-changing careers for both college and high school students.”
Ford’s representatives expressed enthusiasm about engaging with BRTC students, sharing their eagerness to provide insight into trends and career opportunities. Plans are already underway for a series of on-campus events and initiatives in the coming weeks, designed to connect students directly with Ford professionals and recruitment pipelines.
“Partnerships such as these are invaluable,” Copeland added. “They allow us to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that our students graduate not only with skills, but with direct access to employers eager to hire them.”
BRTC’s Automotive Service Technology program is split into two specialties, Electric Engine and Powertrain Systems. The program uses the latest diagnostic equipment and ensures students are trained to a high skill level in both specialty areas. Graduates find employment in service stations, specialty shops, independent garages, fleet garages, and auto dealerships with either path.
For more information about BRTC automotive programs contact Phillip Dickson, Dean of Business and Technical Education, at (870) 248-4125, or email phillip.dickson@blackrivertech.edu.