Just in time for the holidays, Fox Valley Technical College Automotive students are grateful for the latest vehicle donation to their programs.

In partnership with Ford Motor Company and Lincoln, Bergstrom Automotive recently gifted three 2023 Lincoln Aviators to the college. When the vehicles experienced flood damage and were no longer eligible for sale, Ford connected with Bergstrom to identify a place where students could use the SUVs for hands-on training. Bergstrom looked no further than FVTC.

“Because the vehicles were exports from Canada, a few extra steps had to be taken to get them here, but everything is still functional,” says Bergstrom service platform manager Cory Wiegert.  “There is some great technology in these vehicles for students to study and learn from.”

Students in Automotive Collision and Automotive Maintenance-related programs will work on the vehicles. Collision students will learn to disassemble and reassemble the interior, repair body damage, and paint and replace body panels and sections of the vehicles. Auto Tech students will learn to diagnose/calibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and related components, plus diagnose and repair the engine, transmission, electrical systems and brakes. 

Bergstrom is excited about the positive impact these SUVs will have on FVTC's Automotive programs. By training students on these vehicles, the dealership anticipates a future workforce better equipped to meet industry demands.

“We have 2,300 team members at Bergstrom and in some respects, this is like a farm system for us,” explains Bergstrom corporate digital director Craig Roloff. “We are always trying to find great technicians to work for Bergstrom. Not just talented and well-trained, but good people. And it seems like FVTC is the place to come for those people.”