FORD MOTOR COMPANY/CERRITOS COLLEGE
AUTOMOTIVE STUDENT SERVICE EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
The Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) is a two-year automotive program designed to
upgrade the technical competency and professionalism of the incoming dealership technician. The curriculum is
designed by Ford and Cerritos College, and leads to an Associate Degree. The program involves not only attending
classroom lecture and laboratory on Ford products at Cerritos, but also allows the student to work at a Ford or
Lincoln Mercury dealership.
The total program lasts about two years, with approximately half of the time spent at Cerritos College and the
remaining time spent in a sponsoring dealership. Each specialized subject is dealt with in the classroom and
laboratory on campus for a number of weeks, and is then followed by related work experience in the dealership. For
example, the first semester involves 9 weeks at Cerritos followed by 9 weeks work experience at the dealership.
After the dealership work experience is completed, the student returns to Cerritos for another 9 weeks of courses,
followed by 9 more weeks at the dealership. This rotation system continues until the completion of the program.
The work experience at the dealership relates as much as possible to the course work just completed at Cerritos.
ASSET classes begin Spring Semester and selection of students begins early in the summer.
All tuition fees, and textbook costs are the responsibility of the student. This is approximately $2,000 for fees and
$1,200 for books, for the full program. Residents pay $26 per course unit. Non-resident students (out of state) check
with the admissions office for fees. All fees are subject to legislative change. In addition to the fees and textbook
costs, the student is required to purchase a prescribed basic hand tools set if he/she does not already have one. The
initial cost of the total set is approximately $750 with an additional cost of about $400 to upgrade as the program
goes on. The students can select any brand of tools, assistance in obtaining an educational discount may be arranged
for most popular brands. Check with your sponsor and the college before purchasing tools. Since the student earns
while he/she learns, a considerable portion of the costs involved in the program is offset.
The program requires much effort on the part of the student. The efforts are worth the benefits. The skills,
knowledge, and potential of those who complete the program are far superior to most automotive programs. The
balance of qualities obtained forms a basis for development and progress with the dealer’s organization.
Remember, ASSET helps Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers train their future technicians. That could be you!
ASSET Uniform Requirement
The Ford Motor Company Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) Program at Cerritos College
is comparable in function and operation to area automotive service businesses. An important part of the automotive
service business is for the employees to look professional as they represent the occupation in which they are
involved. Employers also want their employees to wear uniforms because of safety, as well as allowing for neat
appearance, which promotes customer relations.
One of the goals of the ASSET Program at Cerritos College is to help students develop their full potential to become
automotive service technicians. In achieving this goal, the professional approach is stressed — part of which is
wearing a uniform. Keeping in mind the need for a professional image, the following requirement has been adopted.
1. The student will wear uniforms provided by his/her dealership.
2. Uniforms will be worn whenever classroom or laboratory activities are being performed.
Compliance with the uniform requirement will be reflected in your evaluation received in the
course, and can be a reason for not allowing a student to work in the class or lab.
NOTE: This cooperative training program is allowed by Education Code 55252, Alternate Plan Work Experience.
