Lonetta Lawson, Dearborn Truck Plant: “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, enrich my skills and add more value to my life.”
Between 2019 – 2021, more than 2,000 UAW-Ford employees used these tuition assistance programs each year, with UAW-Ford providing over $3 million in assistance each year on average.
The UAW-Ford Joint Trust is proud to offer a comprehensive tuition assistance program to its hourly employees and their families. While programs vary depending on status (permanent full-time, temporary, or retiree), there are several options available to help employees continue learning, whether for career advancement opportunities or personal development.
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Mason Kiesel, Ohio Assembly Plant: “If it wasn’t for Ford’s ETAP, I would never have achieved my goal of higher education, while graduating without debt. I owe everything to Ohio Assembly Plant and Ford Motor Company!”
Mason Klesel, General Utility within the Trim Department at the Ohio Assembly Plant, started off as a temporary employee in 2016. He had dreams of getting a bachelor’s degree but it did not seem financially viable. After converting to full-time status, Klesel took advantage of the Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) and started classes at Cleveland State University. On May 9, 2020, Klesel achieved his dream of completing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Labor Relations.
“If it wasn’t for Ford’s ETAP, I would never have achieved my goal of higher education, while graduating without debt. I owe everything to Ohio Assembly Plant and Ford Motor Company!” Klesel said.
Included in the 2019 UAW-Ford contract, these tuition assistance programs do cover several items – from up to $6,000 a year in tuition and fees toward a certification or degree, textbook reimbursement or scholarships for eligible dependents pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Between 2019 – 2021, more than 2,000 UAW-Ford employees used these tuition assistance programs each year, with UAW-Ford providing over $3 million in assistance each year on average. Lonetta Lawson, Quality Leadership Systems Administrator at the Dearborn Truck Plant (DTP), was one of those employees. As an hourly employee at DTP, Lawson used the ETAP to obtain her bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree.
“I really wish more employees took advantage of the program,” Lawson said. “My Master’s degree total was a little over $31,000 and out of pocket I paid a little over $5,700 in three years. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, enrich my skills and add more value to my life.”
Be sure to take advantage of these programs! Head to the UAW-Ford Joint Force Trusts Center to learn more about your Tuition Assistance Program options or contact the Education, Development and Training Program (EDTP) representatives at your plant with any questions.
