Ford is teaming up with dealers to launch its Sponsor Our Students (SOS) program which offers opportunities for students interested in becoming an automotive technician. 

The SOS program is "more than building skills, it's also about developing connections," said Ford in a press release. 

Ford and Lincoln dealers have a chance to sponsor a student, as early as in high school, and offer them a unique opportunity for work-based learning within their service department, including the support of a mentor, the press releases stated. 

Since the program has launched, more than 1,000 Ford and Lincoln dealers have enrolled, sponsoring over 3,600 students. 

According to the press release, Ford's goal is to reach 5,000 students before the end of the year. 

“Recruiting and retaining quality auto technicians is increasingly becoming one of the biggest challenges facing the retail automotive industry today and why building the dealer technician pipeline is so important, said Frederiek Toney, vice president, Ford Customer Service Division, in the release.

“The average dealer will spend tens of thousands on a technician to be trained in a dealership over the course of five to eight years," he said. "This program and other Ford technician training programs help to reduce the time and cost associated with recruiting and training new hires.”

Ford expands tech training in Ariz., N.C., and Ga.

Three new Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) programs are launching this year at select community colleges and technical schools.

Students hired by their sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer will have the opportunity to receive accelerated training within Ford’s training network. For many, this program can streamline the path to becoming a highly trained automotive technician. Additionally, sponsored students that are hired will receive a 20 percent discount in the Rotunda Technician Tool Program, easing the pathway into the trade, Ford noted.