My lifelong passion for automotive mechanics, sparked by a childhood fascination with how cars operate and are constructed, naturally led me to pursue mechanical engineering. This path soon brought me to Ford, where I began as a consultant and am now head of the Ford Youth Academy.

Over the years, I've embraced a unique journey within the company, progressively broadening my expertise through diverse roles in technical development, training, and sales, officially transitioning to an employee in 2023.

Each step taught me something invaluable, but it was when I became part of the Ford family that I fully grasped the value of vocational training and the dynamic opportunities our industry holds. Today, I’m honoured to lead a programme that is not only transforming lives but actively shaping the future of the automotive sector in Italy.

The Ford Youth Academy, particularly our innovative workshop at Istituto Cattaneo de Amicis in Rome, stands as a testament to what we can achieve through strategic investment in young talent.

For me, this initiative is deeply personal. It extends beyond just vocational training; it cultivates a supportive environment where young people can confidently explore and discover their potential. Early in my own career, the pressure of immediate consequences for mistakes often hindered my confidence, making learning a more daunting prospect.

At the heart of the Ford Youth Academy lies Building Together, a community-focused approach that helps connect young talent with meaningful opportunity. Through Ford’s Building Together initiative, schools, non-profit organisations, and local partners work closely with Ford to identify and refer students with the potential to thrive in technical and professional pathways.

This collaborative network forms the bedrock of the Ford Youth Academy, ensuring the programme is rooted in community engagement while creating a direct bridge between education, skills development, and sustainable careers in the automotive industry.

“Ford gave me the opportunity  to put into practice what I had previously only seen in books. The Ford Youth Academy helped me realise that I’m where I’m supposed to be. This is exactly what I want to do.”

Davide Caridi, Former Ford Youth Academy Student and Employee of the Carpoint Dealership in Rome

Our academy offers aspiring technicians the invaluable freedom to learn and experiment without the pressure typically found in a commercial garage setting. Here, a mistake is a learning opportunity, not a cause for reprimand.

This approach allows students to build a solid foundation of knowledge and practical expertise, providing the space to explore and decide if this is the career for them without immediate, high-stakes commitment.

Students participate in structured lessons for three hours, twice a month, from October through May. These sessions blend comprehensive theory with essential hands-on practical experience, covering everything from engine diagnostics and electrical systems to modern vehicle technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring a well-rounded understanding.

To facilitate this, more than half of Ford Italy dealers generously provide current-model vehicles to participating schools, enabling students to work on real-world automobiles that they would encounter in professional settings.

Today, the programme thrives with remarkable success. What began in Rome in 2021 as the first school-based workshop has expanded exponentially. Last year, 39 new schools joined, and this year, the Ford Youth Academy proudly operates in 41 schools across various regions of Italy, engaging more than 800 students.

Since its launch, 70 students have been hired by Ford dealers. This significant growth is a direct result of strong partnerships with educational institutions and the unwavering commitment of our Ford team members.

We’ve seen incredible transformations, especially in young people navigating difficult situations. You can truly see the change in their eyes as they gain purpose and confidence. A mural adorning one wall encapsulates the essence of our mission, depicting hands, both young and experienced, playfully assembling a car.

This artwork symbolises the journey from childhood curiosity to discovering and nurturing a lifelong passion for automotive work. It powerfully emphasises the communal nature of learning, highlighting how shared experiences and collaboration can significantly shape future careers.

Involvement with the local community is also incredibly important to us. In December, we had the honour of hosting Italy’s Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara, for a visit. Witnessing our students and team proudly showcase their work, demonstrating their acquired skills and unwavering dedication, provided powerful validation for our collective efforts and aspirations.

Looking ahead, our momentum continues. We plan to expand the Ford Youth Academy further, creating new opportunities to train not only technicians but also future Ford advisors and salespeople.

For me, this project embodies Ford’s unwavering commitment to fostering something truly impactful. It represents a dedication to building a promising future for these young individuals, equipping them with skills that will last a lifetime. This initiative exemplifies our passion and commitment, making it a profound source of pride for us all.

Fabrizio Aronica is the programme leader of the Ford Youth Academy