October 27, 2026
Built for the Next Generation: Helping Ford Auto Tech Scholars Find Their Place in the Trades
The world only works because of people who know how to build, fix, and make things. And making sure the next generation sees a future in that work starts by showing them what’s possible.
At Brothers Custom Automotive in Troy, Michigan, Bill and Autumn have built a life around keeping automotive craftsmanship alive. Their shop specializes in vintage automotive work, from flathead Ford engines and custom fabrication to restoring old cars.
But on a recent day in the garage, the focus wasn’t only on preserving the past. It was on helping build the future. Bill and Autumn welcomed a group of Ford Auto Tech Scholars into their shop to share what they’ve learned and show the next generation where a career in the automotive trades can lead.
Carhartt x Ford | Ford Scholars Receive Mentorship Five Ford Scholars head to Brothers Custom in Detroit, where they receive mentorship from experts in vintage automotive work and sharpen their skills on a classic F-250.
Building the Next Generation of Skilled Workers
The skilled trades keep the world around us running. But across the country, there aren’t enough people being trained to meet the demand. New research from the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades found that only 55 people are being prepared for every 100 skilled trades workers needed nationally.
Closing that gap takes more than encouraging people to consider the trades. It means making sure they can see these careers, access the training and resources they need, and find a clear path from training to a job.
Passing the Trade Forward
Bill and Autumn know the value of learning from people who have spent years mastering their craft.
That experience is especially valuable today. Nearly one in four skilled trades workers is 55 or older, meaning decades of knowledge and experience could leave the workforce as more skilled workers retire.
For the Ford Auto Tech Scholars, spending time at Brother’s Automotive offered a chance to learn from experienced tradespeople, ask questions and see firsthand where a career working with cars can lead.
MEET THE FORD AUTO TECH SCHOLARS
There’s no single path into the skilled trades. Julian, Dalaina, and Bryce each found their way to automotive work differently, and each is building a career of their own.
Working with my hands is some of the most rewarding work out there. I couldn't have asked for a better career path. Julian
Carhartt x Ford | Julian's Story Carhartt and Ford are partnering to support the next generation of tradespeople. Follow Ford Scholar Julian as he reflects on finding his passion and how it shifted the trajectory of his future.
Julian
Cars have long been part of Julian’s life. Growing up around family members in the automotive industry helped turn an early interest into a passion and ultimately a career path.
It’s an industry that has a space for everyone. Dalaina
Carhartt x Ford | Dalaina's Story Ford Scholar Dalaina is pursuing her passion, carving out her place in the industry, and setting an example for her children. Carhartt and Ford are proud to support the next generation of tradespeople like her.
Dalaina
Dalaina found automotive work by being willing to explore different possibilities until she discovered something that fit. Now, she hopes her experience can help others see that the industry has room for them, too.
It gives you a sense of pride to work this job and to know what you are doing is helping people. Bryce
Carhartt x Ford | Bryce's Story Meet Bryce, a Ford Scholar who takes immense pride in his craftsmanship and helping others. Carhartt and Ford are partnering to empower dedicated tradespeople like Bryce.
Bryce
While studying at college, Bryce is gaining hands-on experience working at a Ford dealership. For him, automotive work combines an early interest in cars with the pride that comes from helping others.
What Is the Ford Auto Tech Scholars Program?
Ford, Ford Philanthropy, and Ford dealers work with the TechForce Foundation to support Ford Auto Tech Scholars by helping cover tuition, tools, credentialing fees and transportation costs.
Carhartt is building on that effort by outfitting the Ford Auto Tech Scholars with workwear as they train and begin their careers.
Together, the effort is designed to help more young people turn an interest in automotive work into a path forward.
Building What’s Next
For more than a century, Carhartt and Ford have served many of the same hardworking people. Today, the two Detroit work brands are bringing their strengths together to support the next generation of skilled workers and help create clearer pathways to careers in the trades.
The tools may change, but the need for people who know how to build, fix and make things doesn’t.
For Julian, Dalaina, and Bryce, that journey has already started. And experienced tradespeople like Bill and Autumn are helping show them what’s possible.