Connecting With Schools
Roseau County Ford has worked with its sister store C&M to mentor and connect with students. In the past we have hosted a Tech Day and invited area schools to attend presentations about the dealerships and Ford in Hallock at the local auditorium and the dealership. Shawn Deans, Ford Field Service Engineer and Ford ASSET Instructor Drew Goddard spoke to the students and teachers. Students were able to see the shop and some in-process engine work, in addition to speaking with technicians and other employees, including the F&I Manager. We discovered that Tech Day could easily expand to financing, accounting, and more dealership career options. Former Warren Teacher Nathan Wozniak described the day as a great opportunity for students to experience "a day in the life of a technician," as well as networking. They were able to connect with college instructors, other teachers and students, see the industry in real life, and even secure some scholarship funds from a local college.
Hosting Tech Day has become a regular event for C&M and Roseau County Ford. Students from area high schools and sometimes NCTC hear from Ford, Stellantis, Northland Community and Technical College, and dealership employees about the auto industry, dealership careers, apprenticeships and scholarships, and other opportunities. Students visit the shop, job shadow, ask questions and eat lunch.
C&M and Roseau County Ford offer a Tech Student Loan Scholarship program worth $20,000!
This covers tuition and tool purchase assistance. The loans are forgiven by working at the dealerships. Specifically, this means:
- $15,000 tuition assistance over 2 years
- $5,000 tool purchase assistance over 2 years
- Earn $150 per online class completed over 2 years applied towards your tuition
- Work for 5 years at the dealership and loan will be forgiven.
- This is earned back at 20% per year worked.
Students at Tech Day.
C&M and RCF Dealer Paul Blomquist speaking to students.
Students eating lunch at Tech Day 2025 in the shop at C&M.
Students asking questions at Tech Day.
Speakers at Tech Day 2025.
C&M and RCF Dealer Paul Blomquist with the audience.
Ford Technical Placement Specialist Bruce Drader Speaking at Tech Day 2025.
RCF has also participated in the Ford ASSET program, as well as a State of Minnesota program Apprenticeship Minnesota. Apprenticeship Minnesota allowed 12 of our technicians received funds to use for training and to purchase tools.