Washtenaw Students to Build Ford Bronco at 2026 SEMA
Six local students will execute a live vehicle build at the trade show in Las Vegas from November 3-6.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Six students from Washtenaw Community College will perform a live build of a Ford Bronco at the 2026 SEMA Show, held November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This initiative stems from a partnership between the college and Ford Motor Company to provide practical training for the next generation of automotive technicians.
Why it matters
The collaboration directly addresses the industry's looming talent gap by connecting academic programs with real-world product development. By integrating classroom studies with specialized customization experience, the program aims to bolster the younger segment of the skilled trades workforce.
The project involves six students selected from automotive service and body programs. These participants completed eight Ford Speaker Series sessions focused on customization and marketing before beginning their specialized preparation course in August 2026.
The players
Washtenaw Community College
Located in Ann Arbor, this public community college offers various technical programs including automotive service and body repair.
Ford Motor Company
Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, the multinational automaker produces vehicles and invests in automotive workforce development initiatives.
The details
The students will demonstrate their technical proficiency by disassembling components, installing aftermarket upgrades, and fully reassembling the Ford Bronco during the show. Their work will be captured in a documentary project intended to highlight the importance of automotive workforce training.
Timeline
August 2026: Students began a specialized preparation course for the build.
November 3-6, 2026: The SEMA Show occurs at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Roadmap
This project reflects a broader trend of automakers partnering with educational institutions to address the widening demographic gap in the skilled trades. It marks a departure from traditional internships by placing students directly into the high-stakes environment of a global trade exhibition.
This program provides students with direct exposure to modern customization tools and industry-standard marketing practices. For local residents, it highlights new pathways into high-demand careers within the automotive sector.
The takeaway
Hands-on participation in major trade events prepares students for complex technical roles in the evolving vehicle customization industry. These types of partnerships effectively bridge the gap between classroom theory and the professional automotive repair sector.
Further reading
Learn more about the local automotive industry landscape in the Ann Arbor Auto Parts section.
More information
View project updates on the Ford Motor Company From the Road page.
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Do you believe partnerships between schools and private companies best prepare students for future careers?
