The automotive industry is revving up its need for skilled professionals. Projections indicate that demand for qualified technicians is set to surge, exceeding 1.7 million positions by 2031.38 This growing demand presents a significant opportunity for individuals passionate about cars and eager to build a rewarding career in the skilled trades. For those looking to accelerate their entry into this thriving field, hands-on experience and specialized training are crucial. And, building industry connections early on can be a game-changer.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a leading institution providing comprehensive core programs designed to equip students with the essential skills sought after by employers in the transportation industry. Beyond its robust educational offerings, UTI also provides a unique advantage through its Early Employment Program (EEP).36 This program is specifically crafted to bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students a head start in their automotive careers.
Launched initially in July 2019 at UTI’s Avondale, Arizona campus, the Early Employment Program has rapidly expanded its reach to encompass all UTI campuses and the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, North Carolina. Continue reading to explore the key features of the Uti Early Career Program and discover how it can significantly benefit aspiring automotive technicians.
Gain Real-World Experience with the UTI Early Employment Program
The UTI Early Employment Program (EEP) stands out as a powerful tool for students seeking to combine their postsecondary education with practical industry immersion. This unique program allows students to gain firsthand experience in the automotive field while completing their studies, providing invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of the profession.1
Students enrolled in select UTI programs are eligible to apply for the EEP and, upon acceptance, can be considered for a range of beneficial opportunities:
- Part-Time Employment During School: Earn while you learn by working part-time with a participating employer, applying your classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
- Full-Time Employment After Graduation: Transition seamlessly into full-time employment with a potential employer already familiar with your skills and work ethic.
- Education Expense Reimbursement Post-Graduation: Some employers offer reimbursement programs to help ease the financial burden of education expenses after graduation.
For a comprehensive understanding of available EEP opportunities and specific program details, students are encouraged to connect with a Career Services representative at their UTI campus.
A cornerstone of the EEP’s success lies in the strong partnerships UTI cultivates with local employers. These industry leaders actively participate in the program, directly interviewing and hiring UTI students, mirroring standard employment practices. This direct engagement offers students unparalleled access to industry connections, a crucial element in career advancement. Employers who participate in the EEP are invested in nurturing the next generation of automotive technicians from the outset, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
The hands-on, real-world training acquired through the Early Employment Program provides UTI graduates with a significant competitive edge as they launch their careers. Simultaneously, the program benefits employers by enabling them to recruit, mentor, and integrate promising technicians into their workforce early in their professional journeys.
Students in UTI's Early Employment Program gaining hands-on experience
Applying for the Early Employment Program
Eligibility criteria and specific conditions for participation in the Early Employment Program are established by the participating employers themselves. These details are discussed transparently between the employer and the prospective student applicant during the application process.
Students interested in applying for the Early Employment Program can submit their request to [email protected].
Expanding Opportunities: The Growth of the UTI Early Career Program
From its initial launch at the Avondale campus, the Early Employment Program has experienced impressive growth, now extending to all UTI campuses nationwide and NASCAR Tech. This expansion signifies increased access and opportunity for students at every UTI location to benefit from the program’s advantages.
Cindy Kostelac, Senior Employer Account Manager at UTI, emphasizes the ongoing commitment to program expansion, stating, “It was only at Avondale and Exton initially, but the vision was always to implement it across all campuses.” Through proactive outreach and engagement strategies, including introducing the program to employers at various campuses, Cindy and the UTI team successfully achieved this goal.
“We maintain a schedule of employer hosting events at different campuses,” she adds. “These events broaden employer exposure to the EEP and UTI’s talented student pool.”
These campus-focused initiatives provide employers with valuable opportunities to learn more about the Early Employment Program and to visit the UTI campuses where they can source qualified technicians. UTI presentations during these events highlight the tangible benefits of EEP participation for employers, including the potential to significantly reduce recruitment and onboarding expenses, and improve employee retention rates.
Participating businesses represent the diverse spectrum of industries that UTI programs prepare students to enter. The Early Employment Program is committed to continued growth, aiming to incorporate even more participating employers across all of UTI’s core program offerings, further enhancing opportunities for students.
Jumpstart Your Career with UTI’s Early Employment Initiative
The primary objective of the Early Employment Program is to provide UTI students with a significant head start in their automotive careers. At UTI and NASCAR Tech, students have the opportunity to apply for the EEP and gain valuable apprenticeship-style training that can substantially enhance their resumes and career prospects.
Bob Kessler, President of UTI’s Exton campus, highlights the program’s impact: “The program provides students with a well-defined career pathway, reinforced by the confidence that employers are willing to invest in their potential from the very beginning.”6
Given the robust demand for skilled trades professionals, there’s never been a better time to pursue a specialized education that sets you up for long-term success. The UTI Early Employment Program provides an exceptional advantage, offering real-world experience and industry connections that can propel your career forward. As the network of participating employers expands, the opportunities for UTI students continue to grow.
Are you interested in learning more about the Early Employment Program and the exciting opportunities that await? Visit our website or contact us today to take the first step towards your automotive career!
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or specific salary outcomes.
2 ) For comprehensive program outcome data and other important disclosures, please visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
6 ) UTI graduate achievements can vary. Individual circumstances and earning potential are influenced by personal qualifications and economic conditions. Factors such as prior work experience, industry certifications, employer location, and compensation structures all affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary levels.
36 ) Students enrolled in specific UTI programs meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the Early Employment Program. Participating employers will contact selected candidates to arrange interviews. Hiring decisions, employee retention strategies, and compensation packages are determined solely by the prospective employer. Employer participation and program specifics are subject to modifications. For further details, please contact Career Services. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
38 ) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the following total national employment figures for these occupations by 2033: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: 815,900; Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: 463,800; Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists: 308,700; Automotive Body and Related Repairers: 171,400; and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators: 172,400. Refer to Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2023–33, and worker characteristics, 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, accessed November 4, 2024. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
