Ford ACE Instructor

North Iowa Area Community College•Mason City, IA

About The Position

The Ford ACE Instructor works as a member of the Continuing Education team, providing classroom and hands-on instruction for students enrolled in automotive workforce training programs using the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) Pathway curriculum. The instructor facilitates learning activities that introduce students to automotive careers, dealership operations, maintenance procedures, warranty and recall processes, workplace readiness skills, and industry best practices. The role also includes mentoring and advocating for students while demonstrating sensitivity to learners’ diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Class schedules vary by semester and community need. Weekly time commitments average 12–16 hours for instruction and preparation, with occasional increases based on enrollment, employer engagement activities, or program needs. The position is part-time, starts as soon as possible, and pays an hourly rate to be determined at the time of hire. It is not eligible for benefits. All employees are expected to follow NIACC policies and procedures, maintain a positive attitude, and treat NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public with respect. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; NIACC cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Relevant automotive industry experience.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

ASE certification(s).
Experience working in a Ford dealership or Ford-authorized service facility.
Previous teaching, training, coaching, or mentoring experience.
Experience with Ford ACE or Ford service training programs.
Experience working with adult learners, career explorers, or workforce development programs.
Understanding of dealership service, parts, warranty, or customer service operations.
Knowledge of ADAS, EV and hybrid systems, vehicle networking, connected vehicle technologies, and modern diagnostic platforms.
Experience using scan tools, digital service information systems, data analysis tools, and AI-enabled resources in automotive service or training environments.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, manufacturer-sponsored training, industry certifications, and continuous learning in emerging automotive technologies.

Responsibilities

Teach courses aligned with the Ford ACE Pathway curriculum and program learning outcomes.
Deliver instruction on automotive industry fundamentals, dealership operations, maintenance procedures, technician resources, warranty processes, recalls, and workplace readiness skills.
Facilitate hands-on demonstrations, classroom activities, and career exploration exercises.
Guide students through Ford training modules and related learning resources.
Assess student learning and provide timely feedback on assignments and activities.
Maintain attendance, grading, and other required program records.
Create an engaging, professional, and safe learning environment.
Promote student success by encouraging attendance, participation, and career development.
Maintain current knowledge of emerging automotive technologies, including ADAS, EV and hybrid systems, vehicle networking, connected vehicle technologies, software-driven diagnostics, and evolving OEM service procedures.
Engage in professional development, manufacturer training, industry certifications, and technical education to keep instructional content current with industry standards and practices.
Incorporate contemporary diagnostic methods, digital service information systems, scan tool technologies, data analysis tools, and AI-enabled resources into classroom and laboratory instruction where appropriate.
Review and update instructional materials to reflect advancements in automotive technology, repair procedures, diagnostic strategies, and workforce expectations.
Prepare students for current and emerging technologies used in modern automotive service environments through innovation and continuous improvement.
Coordinate with local employers, dealerships, and industry partners to support guest speakers, facility tours, internships, and job shadow opportunities.
Maintain classroom and laboratory safety standards.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the Continuing Education Department and automotive workforce training programs.
Maintain strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication with stakeholders.
Strengthen coordination and cooperation across College organizational components, including opportunities for student recruitment.
Adhere to NIACC policies and procedures and maintain a positive, respectful working environment with departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.