The automotive industry is revving up, with a significant demand for skilled technicians. Projections indicate that the total number of technician jobs will surpass 1.7 million by 2031.38 For individuals eager to accelerate their career in this thriving sector, practical experience and specialized training are crucial. Gaining industry connections early on can be an invaluable advantage. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) not only offers robust core programs designed to equip students with essential skills but also provides a unique pathway to gain real-world experience through the UTI Early Employment Program.
This innovative program, known as EEP, was first introduced in July 2019 at UTI’s Avondale, Arizona campus and has since expanded to encompass all UTI campuses and the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, North Carolina. Let’s explore how the Uti Early Career Program can jumpstart your journey in the automotive industry.
Gain Real-World Industry Experience Through EEP
The UTI Early Employment Program is strategically designed to blend UTI’s comprehensive post-secondary education with hands-on industry training. This powerful combination offers students a firsthand look into the daily realities of working in the automotive field.1
Students enrolled in specific UTI programs are eligible to apply for the Early Employment Program and can be considered for several enriching opportunities:
- Part-time Employment During School: Gain practical experience and earn while you learn by working part-time with industry employers.
- Full-time Employment After Graduation: Transition smoothly into a full-time role with a participating employer immediately after completing your UTI program.
- Education Expense Reimbursement Post-Graduation: Many employers offer reimbursement programs to help graduates manage their education-related expenses, further easing the financial transition into their careers.
Furthermore, additional tailored opportunities within the EEP may be available depending on the employer and location. For a detailed understanding of specific offerings, students are encouraged to connect with a Career Services representative at their UTI campus. These representatives serve as crucial liaisons, providing personalized guidance and connecting students with the right opportunities.
The strength of the UTI Early Career Program lies in its collaborative structure. Local employers build strong partnerships with UTI, actively participating in the program to shape and mentor the next generation of skilled technicians. These employers conduct interviews and directly hire UTI students, mirroring standard employment practices. This direct engagement ensures that students are not just learning in a classroom but are also being evaluated and integrated into the industry pipeline.
EEP
EEP offers students a significant advantage by fostering industry connections from the outset. These early relationships can be instrumental in shaping their career trajectory and advancement. Participating employers are often deeply invested in nurturing talent from the ground up, providing mentorship and growth opportunities that extend beyond initial employment. This early investment in aspiring technicians can be a game-changer for students looking to establish a long-term career in the automotive sector.
The hands-on, real-world training acquired through the Early Employment Program is incredibly valuable when graduates launch their careers. This practical experience not only enhances their skill set but also makes them more attractive to potential employers throughout their professional journey. The program also provides substantial benefits to employers by enabling them to recruit, train, and mentor promising technicians from the beginning of their professional development. This proactive approach helps employers build a skilled and loyal workforce while reducing recruitment and onboarding costs in the long run.
Application Process for the Early Employment Program
Eligibility requirements and specific conditions for the Early Employment Program are established by the participating employers. These details are openly discussed between the employer and each applicant during the application and interview process, ensuring transparency and a clear understanding of expectations.
To express interest and request an application for the UTI Early Career Program, students can submit their inquiries to [email protected]. The Career Services department at each UTI campus also provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the application process, helping students prepare and present themselves effectively to potential employers.
Program Growth and Expanded Opportunities
The Early Employment Program has experienced remarkable growth since its inception at the Avondale campus. It has expanded to include all UTI campus locations and NASCAR Tech, significantly broadening its reach and impact. This expansion is a testament to the program’s success and the strong demand from both students and employers. Now, students attending any UTI campus have the opportunity to participate in this career-accelerating program, regardless of their location.
Cindy Kostelac, Senior Employer Account Manager at UTI, has been a driving force behind the program’s expansion. She emphasizes the ongoing commitment to further growth, stating, “It was only at Avondale and Exton initially, but the vision was always to make it available at all campuses.” Through strategic outreach and engagement initiatives, Cindy successfully achieved this goal, bringing the Early Employment Program to UTI campuses nationwide.
A key element of this outreach involves hosting employer events at various UTI campuses. “We schedule events at different campuses where we invite employers. These events provide broader exposure for the program and allow us to connect with a wider range of industry partners,” Cindy explains. These campus events serve as invaluable platforms for employers to learn firsthand about the EEP and to visit the facilities where they would be sourcing their future technicians.
Presentations and discussions during these employer events highlight the tangible benefits of participating in the program. These advantages include the potential to significantly reduce recruitment and onboarding expenses, as well as decrease employee turnover rates. By hiring and mentoring students early in their careers, employers can cultivate a loyal and skilled workforce that aligns perfectly with their company culture and technical requirements.
Participating businesses represent the diverse range of industries that UTI programs prepare students for. The Early Employment Program is continuously striving to expand its network of participating employers across all of UTI’s core programs, creating even more diverse and abundant opportunities for students.
Launch Your Career with the Early Employment Program
The primary objective of the UTI Early Career Program is to provide students with a significant head start in their chosen careers. At UTI and NASCAR Tech, students have the opportunity to apply for this program and gain invaluable apprenticeship-style training, which significantly enhances their résumés and career prospects.
Bob Kessler, President of UTI’s Exton campus, aptly summarizes the program’s impact: “The program provides students with a well-defined career pathway, reinforced by the confidence that employers are ready to invest in them from the very beginning.”6
Given the strong and growing demand for skilled trades professionals, there is no better time to pursue an education that not only equips you with the necessary skills but also sets you up for enduring success. The UTI Early Employment Program offers that crucial boost, providing real-world experience and industry connections that can propel your career forward. As the network of participating employers continues to expand, the opportunities for UTI students only continue to grow.
Are you interested in discovering more about the Early Employment Program and the exciting opportunities awaiting you? Visit our website or contact us today to take the first step towards your rewarding automotive career!
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, please visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
6 ) The achievements of UTI graduates may vary. Individual outcomes and earnings are influenced by personal qualifications and economic conditions. Factors such as work experience, industry certifications, employer location, and compensation structures affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
36 ) Eligibility for the Early Employment Program is limited to students enrolled in specific UTI programs. Participating employers will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews. Hiring decisions, employee retention, and compensation are determined solely by the prospective employer. Employer participation and program details are subject to change. 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 national employment figures for 2033 in these occupations: 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. See 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.
