Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is teaming up with Ford to offer a new electric vehicle (EV) certification curriculum in its Ford FACT (Ford Accelerated Credential Training) program.  

The new curriculum will feature courses on high voltage systems safety, hybrid vehicle components and operation, battery electric vehicle (BEV) components and operation, and an introduction to high voltage battery service. It will also include a Ford instructor-led class on hybrid and electric vehicle operation and diagnosis.

For students to receive hands-on training, Ford will be providing a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to each UTI campus, along with virtual reality goggles. In doing so, Ford FACT graduates will have the opportunity to attain Ford's High Voltage Systems Certification, in addition to the 11 certifications the program already offers.

Ford FACT graduates also train in three additional certification pathways that require certain classes to be taken at a Ford training center.

Nine of UTI's 14 campuses currently offer Ford FACT, a 15-week advanced training program that prepares students to work with Ford's exclusive technology, computer diagnostics, electrical, gasoline, and diesel technologies. Students are eligible to take Ford FACT after they successfully complete UTI's core automotive or auto/diesel programs.

Since Ford and UTI launched FACT in 1999, more than 25,000 students have graduated from the program.

"Ford has been investing in building a pipeline of qualified technicians for years now, and our alliance with Universal Technical Institute allows us to do that through the Ford FACT program," said Elizabeth Tarquinto, Ford manager of Technical Support Operations, NA, in a UTI press release. "The enhancements we're making to the program ensure that Ford and Lincoln Dealers across the country will be able to find certified technicians ready to work on the vehicles of the future, and help them keep up with consumer demand for hybrid and electric vehicle service."