FORD Australia has announced an uptake of tertiary graduates for the third year running, across product development, marketing, sales and service and finance as a part of its increased research and development investment.

The 23 new hires will be spread across Ford’s facilities in Broadmeadows, Geelong, Lara and Richmond, and will mark the first time that Ford has hired designers as part of its graduate program.

Bright future: The Ford Graduate Program will help continue the development of Blue Oval models in Australia, such as the Ranger and Everest.

Since reshaping its graduate program in 2015, Ford has now hired 59 graduates in an effort to support product development investments as seen on models such as the Ranger and Everest, both of which were developed locally.

The car-maker pumped $300 million into R&D in 2015 alone, and Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman said the investment the company has made is an important factor in its significant product rollout over the coming years.

“Ford is investing in local creative and technical talent to support our aggressive global product development investments that include key programs such as Ranger and Everest in Australia,” he said.

“At the same time, we continue building the team leading our local transformation plan, including the launch of 20 new or freshened vehicles by 2020.

“Our comprehensive two-year graduate development program is designed to build a graduate’s capability to prepare them for an exciting career with Ford whilst providing real and rewarding experiences.

“The program uses best practice blended learning techniques to maximise professional and personal development.”

Ford Australia director of vehicle programs at the Australia product development centre, Dave French, said the 2017 graduates would be influential in changing the future landscape of the automotive industry.

“Ford Graduates in Australia will play a significant role in shaping the future of the automotive industry globally, working right here in Australia,” he said.

“The Ranger and all-new Everest SUV are centerpieces of our investment in people and facilities, and a key product in our Australia line-up.

“And because we are part of Ford’s global team we work locally to create great vehicles for markets all over the world.

“The 2017 Ford Australia Graduate Program provides graduates with the ideal foundation to build an exceptional career, working with cutting-edge technologies, exposure to a broad portfolio of exciting product programs and first-hand experience working with Ford team members globally.

“We believe we have a real advantage investing this heavily in Australia because the country has rich talent and one of the leading educational systems in the world.

“And we also partner with researchers at some of our top universities to explore new innovations for vehicles of tomorrow.”

By Robbie Wallis