Ford Invests $610,000 in High-Tech Labs for West Tennessee Schools
Ford Motor Company has invested $610,000 to set up five high-tech labs in West Tennessee schools, giving students access to 3D printers and laser engravers to prepare for skilled trades careers.
$610,000
5
$11.7 million
What Happened
Ford Motor Company has invested $610,000 to establish five Ford Future Builders Labs at K-12 schools in West Tennessee, equipping them with 3D printers, laser engravers, and other high-tech tools. The labs are part of the company's $11.7 million Good Neighbor Plan for the region, which is home to Ford's BlueOval City campus. Students from different programs, such as agriculture and theater, have collaborated on projects like creating props for a school musical.
“We want these young people to stay in the community and succeed here, and that is why we are creating pathways to great paying jobs.”
The labs grew out of community conversations and aim to introduce students to skilled trades and advanced manufacturing careers. Teachers report that the labs have broken down barriers between different academic programs and fostered collaboration. Ford plans to open more labs in the future.
Why this matters
The program aims to train local students for advanced manufacturing jobs at Ford's nearby BlueOval City plant, supporting the region's workforce and economy.
Terms in This Story
- Skilled trades
- Occupations that require specialized training, such as welding, machining, and electrical work.
- 3D printer
- A machine that creates three-dimensional objects from digital models by layering material.
- Laser engraver
- A tool that uses a laser beam to engrave or mark materials like metal, wood, or plastic.
- BlueOval City
- Ford's large manufacturing campus under construction in West Tennessee, focused on electric vehicles and batteries.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.