FCG program in Powertrain, especially in Calibration, has FCGs doing actual work. Our FCGs are always busy, always working in development vehicles. And they enjoy their rotations. It helps if you work in a product development area for products that Ford builds in house. Otherwise, you may just end up babysitting suppliers.
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I think it depends on the relationship between fcg and his or her mentor. How much a mentor is involved in that development of that fcg. A fcg has to make sure their interests are looked at too.
that boiling frog story is true. you keep thinking: there's No way it can get worse, it Has to get better, just hold on for a little longer, they keep Telling us it's going to get better. and it gets worse.
It good was in the distant past.
Now it pretty much blows big baby chunks.
The reason it blows is now the LL6 and LL5 have on their objectives to bring in FCG, so they all create FCG postings just to say they did. The majority do not care at all about mentoring so the FCGs sit and learn nothing of value for their rotation, as the LL6 met their objective by gaining an FCG.
Ford HR and their evaluation methods has a way of destroying everything good about the company.
Ford FCG program is a perfect metaphor for the other metaphor - "The Boiling Frog". Just google the term.
My advice, stay for 2 years, complete your rotations and PLEASE LEAVE. You will do yourself and your progeny a great favor. Else, I have no doubt you will become the "frog". Why? Because I and others I know, became one.
It is a fantastic program - BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS.
My father and I just had this discussion over the weekend… he was the very first person at his manufacturing plant to participate in the “Ford College Graduate Training Program” in 1966… he gave me many examples of how it benefitted him immensely during his career in manufacturing management. Same timeline of 4 assignments of 6 months each over two years, it has not changed from that!
It was good 20+ years ago. Not sure about now. If you have to live in SE Michigan (for other reasons) I guess it’s a good option. Most good FCGs get experience and leave within 3-5 years of hiring.
What area are you considering working in at Ford? PD? What other companies are you considering? Do you need to stay in the Detroit area?