STATE-OF-THE-INDUSTRY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRAINING
With more than 200,000 graduates in its 55-year history, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the nation’s leading provider of technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians, and offers welding technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machining programs.
The company has built partnerships with industry leaders, outfits its state-of-the-industry facilities with current technology, and delivers training that is aligned with employer needs.
Through its network of 13 campuses nationwide, UTI offers post-secondary programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
To be the leading provider of technical training for students seeking entry-level careers as automotive, diesel, medium/heavy equipment, collision repair, motorsports, motorcycle, and marine technicians; welders; and CNC machining technicians. Our transportation-related technician training programs provide students with fundamental skills applicable and transferable to a variety of related professions requiring an ability to diagnose, service, and repair gas and diesel engines; mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment; and electronic systems.
Our purpose is to change the world one life at a time by helping people achieve their dreams. This is the underlying inspirational reason for our existence and the reason we come to work every day.
Our values drive our reputation. Our reputation is the basis of our growing brand. Making our brand more powerful is essential to achieving our vision.
We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we impact – students, industry partners, employees, shareholders, and the communities in which we live and work.
We make decisions based on the organization’s purpose, the needs of our people, and the necessity of profit.
We create a lively place to work that demonstrates an enthusiasm for life, ideas, and satisfying work.
We value open and honest communication in an environment that unleashes the potential of the people with which we interact.
We are committed to continuous improvement and breakthrough achievements by collaborating with each other to create value for our business.
We take wise risks and empower others to do the same.
We demonstrate integrity in all interactions while earning the trust and respect of others.
Automotive technicians (commonly referred to as automotive mechanics), diagnose, maintain, repair and inspect cars, trucks and other vehicles. They understand the inner workings of the complicated electronics systems used to diagnose problems in vehicles of all makes and sizes.
In today’s vehicles, just about everything is controlled by a computer. Automotive technicians are able to utilize modern technology to diagnose problems, recommend solutions and execute repairs. They have strong communication skills and keep their customers informed throughout the repair process.
Some technicians choose to specialize in areas such as brakes, transmissions and diagnostics. They may also work on vehicles from specific brands by completing manufacturer-specific training. Regardless of their specialty, you can count on automotive technicians to get your car back on the road when it’s in need of repair.
The length of time it takes to become an automotive technician depends on the type of training you seek. At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), you can train to become an automotive technician in 51 weeks — less than a year. UTI’s foundational courses can build your base knowledge from the ground up, teaching you how to diagnose, maintain and repair domestic and foreign vehicles.
After completing your core program at UTI, you can move on to one or more Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs created in conjunction with leading brands. If you’ve always wanted to work for a brand like BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo, this is a great way to gain specialized training on their vehicles.
Trained automotive technicians have a variety of career options they can pursue, including:
Entry-Level Technician: Entry-level techs perform general service, maintenance and diagnostic work. They commonly work in dealerships, independent shops and chain shops.
Parts Technician: Many auto techs decide to use their education to work in parts. Parts professionals manage inventory and deal with warranty issues that may be caused by damaged or defective parts.
Service Writer/Advisor: Service writers act as liaisons between customers and technicians. They write job orders based on customer requests and diagnostic experience from similar issues, and may even dispatch work to technicians.
Service Manager: Some automotive technicians to work their way up to leadership roles within shops and dealerships. Service managers oversee technicians, parts employees and detailers. They may also be responsible for working with customers regarding escalated issues, completing department forecasting and budgeting, and communicating with vendors and suppliers.
Instructor: Some technicians return to school as instructors to share their knowledge with the next generation. Automotive instructors teach repair and diagnostic skills to aspiring technicians and are able to draw from their personal experiences as they prepare their students to make a living after graduation.
Fleet Technician: Cities, towns and municipalities have fleets of vehicles that need work, which is where fleet technicians come in. These techs may work for police departments or local taxi companies, and are responsible for ensuring the vehicles they work on are running smoothly.
Business Owner: Some technicians choose to work for themselves by starting their own business. Those with automotive backgrounds open various types of businesses, including mobile repair services, independent shops and tire shops.
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), there are more than 40 ASE certification tests, which cover almost every aspect of the automotive repair and service industry. These certifications exist to protect automotive service consumers, shop owners and technicians. ASE certifies automotive technicians so they can offer tangible proof of their technical knowledge.
At Universal Technical Institute, we understand the importance of certification for technicians. Our Automotive Technology program is Master Certified by the ASE Education Foundation, a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Graduates of UTI’s Automotive Technician Training program are well-prepared to complete ASE examinations and can substitute their training for one of the two years of work experience required to become ASE Certified.
The cost of completing your automotive training at UTI depends on a variety of factors. Some students are able to use grants and scholarships10 to pay for school while others take out loans. Later, some graduates are hired by employers that offer tuition reimbursement and other incentives to help pay for their schooling.
Every student's financial situation is unique. The UTI Financial Aid office can help you explore the options available to you, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and more.
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