Ford Hermosillo Plant Launches Dual Education Program

The Ford Hermosillo plant donated four industrial robots to educational institutions in Sonora and announced the official launch of its “Dual Education” program, an initiative that seeks to prepare the next generation of technicians specialized in mechatronics and strengthen the state's labor competitiveness.

The robotic equipment was delivered to the College of Scientific and Technological Studies of the State of Sonora (Cecyte), the State Council for Science and Technology (COECYT), the University of Sonora Navojoa campus, and the University of Applied Sciences of North America (UCAN).

“Machines are important, but the real engine of progress is people,” said Eduardo Villegas, manager of the Hermosillo plant, emphasizing that the combination of technology and human capital is key to driving innovation and regional competitiveness.

“With this initiative, Ford Mexico reaffirms its commitment to training local talent and to the economic development of Sonora by investing in technical education linked to the real needs of industry,” added the executive.

Before the delivery, representatives from each institution received 40 hours of training to ensure maximum use of the technology, which will be used in the practical training of students in areas such as robotics, automation, and programming.

During the ceremony, which brought together state authorities, Ford executives, and representatives from the education sector, the importance of integrating theory with practice to train the workforce of the future was highlighted.

In this context, the first generation of the Dual Education model was launched, comprising thirty-five students from the technical degree program in Mechatronics at Cecyte Pueblitos.

For two years, participants will combine their academic training in the classroom with direct experience at the plant's Dual Education Training Center, where they will work with state-of-the-art technology and obtain certifications in robotics, English, and 3D printing.

According to the blue oval brand, since its construction in 1984, the Ford Hermosillo plant has maintained a culture of constant training and continuous improvement, fostering collaboration with educational institutions, the government, and social projects.