Ford of Canada and Orchard Ford to donate something big to the Okanagan College automotive program.

Photo: Okanagan College

Automotive trades students at the Okanagan College are being rewarded with an exciting new way to master their skills.

After deeming 95 of Ford's 2020 F-150s irreparable and unable to be safely driven due to flooding last year, Ford of Canada and Orchard Ford have decided to donate those vehicles to educational institutions across Canada including the Okanagan College.

Ford of Canada saw this unfortunate flooding situation as an opportunity to give back and to bring the latest in vehicle technology to some of Canada’s top automotive programs. The Dean of Trades, Steve Moores confirmed the vehicle arrived at the Kelowna campus and will be put to use immediately in the shop.

“We are so appreciative of this wonderful donation from Ford of Canada and Orchard Ford,” said Moores. “Our students and instructors can’t wait to get working on it as a training tool. A donation like this helps to ensure our students get to learn and train on the latest technologies and parts that they’ll encounter when they step out into the industry. This F-150 is going to provide a valuable hands-on training tool for students for years to come.”

Ford of Canada will also be providing students and faculty in the automotive service training program with the access to their online Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) training. A partnership program between Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ford dealerships and post-secondary institutions, the ACE program aims to raise awareness and increase interest in career opportunities within the automotive industry.

The courses offered are the same as those current Ford technicians complete to receive specialty training in dealership. Students will be able to study everything from basic vehicle system fundamentals to some of the most current and detailed vehicle systems training like electrical, Powertrain, air conditioning and more.