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Ford and Carhartt Launch Multi‑Year Trades Partnership With ToolBank Hub and Special‑Edition Truck

The effort targets a growing skilled‑trades gap that Ford says includes about 5,000 open dealership technician jobs.

Overview

  • A Detroit ToolBank USA location is set to open next month with a plan to lend roughly 25,000 tools annually, supported by a Ford‑donated F‑150 with Pro Power Onboard for mobile outreach.
  • Ford Auto Tech Scholars will continue to receive $5,000 TechForce scholarships and will now be outfitted in head‑to‑toe Carhartt workwear.
  • The partners plan Ford‑branded Carhartt apparel and a Super Duty Carhartt edition truck, with a spring unveiling and availability expected later this year; pricing and detailed specs were not released.
  • Ford cites approximately 5,000 open dealership technician roles nationwide, a shortfall executives have framed as part of a broader U.S. trades shortage.
  • Since 2018, Ford says 1,400 technicians have been trained through TechForce, and the company is expanding fast‑track programs with high schools, community colleges and a 2025 workwear initiative with Cintas for dealership technicians.