January 2006: are pleased to announce that Weber State University now has an official Ford Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) program.   This Ford specific training program's main strength is the ability to take someone with little to no hands-on automotive experience and train him or her in the four areas that customers need the most maintenance with on their vehicles.  

Subjects covered are Introduction to Automotive Industry, Basic Electrical, Automotive Braking Systems, Climate Control and Steering/Suspension Systems.  MLR students will get a solid educational foundation to begin their automotive service career and to continue their automotive education.

Vision:  The Ford MLR program will be the source of entry-level automobile service technicians for Quality Care Service Centers, Quick Lanes, Ford and Lincoln Mercury service departments and Independent repair facilities by equipping a moderate volume of students with the skills and knowledge needed to perform maintenance and basic repairs on Ford, Lincoln, Mercury cars and light trucks as well as most other vehicles.

It's a fact:  Each year the automotive service industry loses more than 15,000 of its most experienced technicians to retirement. Meanwhile, new technicians are entering the automotive field at a slower pace than years past. The retail maintenance and light repair business continues to grow at a faster rate than ever before.

The quick path to the high road

The Maintenance and Light Repair program offers a quick, low-intensity opportunity for students to enter the challenging world of automotive service. You'll acquire the necessary skills to perform regular maintenance, minor or light repairs, and parts installation on all types of Ford and Lincoln Mercury automobiles and light trucks. Your success will be rewarded with Ford Motor Company certification as a Maintenance and Light Repair technician.  You will also have the potential for ASE certifications in Suspension/Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Heating and Air Conditioning.  

Completing the program in conjunction with Weber State University will also achieve 15 hours of higher education course credit.  MLR graduates will receive an Institutional One-Year Certificate of completion from Weber State University.  MLR Students have the option to continue their education completing a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Each MLR Graduate Has:

• 3-6 Months of Ford Technical Training
• Up to 25% Ford Service Technician Training
• Skills in Brakes, Electrical, Climate Control and Steering & Suspension
• Potential of passing up to four ASE Certifications in related areas of program study
• 15 Hours of Weber State University course credit

The Maintenance and Light Repair Training program includes the following courses:

1. Electrical Systems and Power Accessories:
Covers basic electrical systems, testing of the battery condition and operation, and testing and repairing of the charging and starting circuits. 

2. Heating and Air Conditioning:
Focuses on the design characteristics and principles of automotive heating and air conditioning with emphasis on theory, operation, maintenance and repair.

3. Alignment, Suspension and Steering:
This course covers the design, construction and operation of suspension and steering systems, wheel alignment and wheel balancing. Also includes a look at the diagnosis/repair of the steering gears and alignment of the front end.

4. Automotive Brakes:
Covers the design, construction and operation of various brake systems, as well as power assist units and anti-lock brake systems. Program includes the diagnosis, repair and replacement of various system components.  

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Career Advancement:

Experienced Maintenance and Light Repair technicians may advance to "Ford Master Technician" recognition, supervisory or managerial positions or may continue their education to specialize in other areas of automotive repair.

Entry Requirements:

A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to this program. High school courses in electronics and mathematics are helpful, as is any previous experience with automotive or other mechanical repair.

If you are mechanically inclined and interested in a certification program, make the commitment today and you'll be on your way to a successful career as a trained and certified light line technician

How Do I Get Started?

1. Apply online at www.weber.edu, or call (801) 626-6743 for admission to WSU. (Weber State University students whose ACT Math score is 22 and below and whose English score is 16 and below have to take the Accuplacer test in order to be able to register for classes).
2. Declare your program of study as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Service Technology - Independent Shop - ATEP.
3. Schedule an interview with the Ford Program Coordinator/Instructor, Will Speigle. Office #801-626-6321 or Cell 801-690-6261.  Cell is best during summer semester.
4. Register for your classes by either contacting your Ford Program Coordinator, Will Speigle, for help or by calling registration at (801) 626-7778.  
5. Provide proof of a valid driver's license.
   
6. Provide proof of insurability, such as a state drivers record.
7. Some employers require drug testing.
8. Work on obtaining a basic set of hand tools. Ford MLR students are not required to have every tool on the list, contact your instructor for specific requirements.