When we were approached by the Adult Education & Technical Training Center about a new automotive program we rolled up our sleeves and joined in. It was a win-win situation for us. It was an outstanding opportunity to show our community support, advertise our products and get trained technicians in return. Besides the financial sponsorship we have been active in their internship program to give students on the job training. We were very fortunate to find Brent Estes as our first service trainee. Rather than just throwing him into a basic technician program we immersed him in the Blue Oval Service certified program that sets Ford of Ocala apart from both other brands as well as other Ford dealers. This meant greeting guests, shadowing Service Advisors and being a porter while studying Service Technician certification programs. To supplement his computer training he assisted in performing preventive scheduled maintenance on vehicles. He could have stopped there and be a lube tech or a technician at any other dealership service department but Brent is a shining example of what the MTI can produce with our help. Upon graduation from the program he was hired full time as an automotive technician making more money than his peers. He has obtained major certification in five areas of service expertise with no signs of slowing down. And the Ford of Ocala values that run deep through all our employees was instilled in Brent as well. He is a member of the MTI Advisory Board and shares his knowledge and experience with the students. Because of Brent Estes and others like him, the Marion Technical Institute enjoys local and national success. Ford of Ocala is extremely proud of Brent Estes and our role in helping the youth of Marion County.