THE FIRST TEN FORD TECHNICIANS GRADUATE FROM THE ASSET PROGRAM AT RED RIVER COLLEGE

WINNIPEG, MB. November 25, 2004 - Don St. Amour, manager, Technical Training, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited presented diplomas to ten Red River College students who graduated from the Ford ASSET program today.

"Ford of Canada and its dealers, recognize the importance of giving students access to the latest technologies, equipment and highest quality technical training available," St Amour said. "That is why the ASSET program was created."

"Red River College is proud to have played a major role in the training and the subsequent graduation of ten technicians from the ASSET program," stated the President of RRC, Jeff Zabudsky. "These graduates have successfully completed the two-year training program at Red River and are the culmination of a successful partnership with Ford of Canada and its dealers. This alliance will continue to produce qualified graduates who will address the shortage of qualified technicians locally and globally."

Unless more young people are attracted to the profession, Canada will face a shortage of automotive service technicians in the future, as the current workforce ages and retires. "Right now in Canada, there are more than 200,000 technicians employed in the auto industry, but nearly half of these skilled technicians are over 40 years old, and less than eight per cent are under 25," St Amour said. "That's why we need to act now to attract new talent to the auto service industry."

The students started their training in 2002 and have dedicated 36 weeks of in-class training at Red River College and on-the-job experience at participating Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships in Manitoba to earn their diploma.

Along with their diploma, each ASSET graduate will receive a $1,000 cheque, a watch and a leather jacket from Ford of Canada to celebrate their achievement in becoming a qualified Quality Care automotive service technician.

Ford of Canada and the Ford and Ford Lincoln dealers in Manitoba have worked together to create a program to give students the opportunity to learn and upgrade their technical skills with the latest leading edge technology the automotive industry has to offer. Ford has done this by contributing tools, specialized equipment and vehicles for the students to learn on.

"With the support of our partners - the Manitoba Ford and Ford Lincoln dealers and Red River College - we are helping to build the skills of our youth and improve the quality of customer service for years to come," St Amour added.