Drew Goddard Named Ford Senior Master Technician
Brooklyn Park, MN — May 9, 2025 — Hennepin Technical College is proud to recognize Drew Goddard, Ford ASSET instructor, for achieving a significant milestone: ten consecutive years as a Ford Senior Master Technician. This prestigious certification is Ford Motor Company's highest level of technician recognition, awarded to professionals who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skill, and ongoing commitment to excellence in automotive service.
Goddard, a faculty member at Hennepin Tech since 1997, was the first Ford ASSET graduate to become an instructor within the nationally recognized program. Over the past 27 years, he has educated and mentored hundreds of students, preparing them for high-demand careers as certified Ford and Lincoln technicians.
The Ford Senior Master certification requires more than 600 hours of training, mastery in multiple core vehicle systems, and a consistent dedication to staying current with emerging automotive technologies. Maintaining this elite status for a decade is a rare accomplishment—earned by fewer than 2% of Ford technicians nationwide.
“We are incredibly proud of Drew's long-standing excellence as both an educator and a technician,” said Mark Johnson, Dean of Transportation Programs. “His real-world experience and industry credentials ensure our students receive the highest quality training in the region.”
Goddard's career began in 1987 when he entered the Ford ASSET program himself. He worked for ten years in dealerships as a drivability and electrical specialist before returning to the classroom to train the next generation of automotive professionals. For more than 30 years, he’s held an ASE Master Certification, ASE L1 and L2 Advanced Engine Performance and Diesel certifications, and Ford Master Certification—along with the 10-year Senior Master distinction.
In 2023, Goddard was also named “Outstanding Educator of the Year” by the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, recognizing his impact on students and the broader automotive training community.
About the Ford ASSET Program at Hennepin Technical College
The Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) program at Hennepin Technical College prepares students for high-demand careers as certified Ford and Lincoln automotive technicians. Through a unique combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and paid dealership internships, students gain in-depth knowledge of advanced vehicle systems and diagnostic technologies. The program is supported by experienced faculty, including Ford Senior Master Technicians, and offers strong industry connections that lead to excellent job placement opportunities. Graduates leave with real-world experience, Ford certification credentials, and a clear path to career success in the automotive service industry.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.