EXTON, PA (December 2019) – Universal Technical Institute in Exton, Pennsylvania (UTI-Exton), has been awarded two Volvo S60 cars as part of Volvo Car USA LLC’s ’s new national Vehicle Lease Program for Schools initiative. The program is part of Volvo’s strategy to work directly with UTI and other educational institutions to address the national shortage of skilled automotive technicians.
“At UTI-Exton, we’re integrating access to the Volvo S60 vehicles into our automotive curriculum so students can work on Volvo’s amazing technology, including super- and turbo-charged engines,” said Bob Kessler, UTI-Exton Campus President. “The students who continue their studies by enrolling in our Volvo MSAT program are passionate about their work and excited to put their education to use in an industry with high demand and earning potential for skilled technicians.”
The new cars will make it possible for UTI-Exton’s foundational courses to teach advanced technologies, such as collision avoidance and advanced electrical diagnosis, using hands-on labs in addition to traditional written materials. In preparation for this unique access to these state-of-the-art vehicles, UTI is revising its core curriculum to ensure that all students have the opportunity to experience learning on the cars in the lab.
Upon completion of this core training, UTI students who wish to specialize in Volvo vehicles have the option to continue their studies through UTI’s exclusive Manufacturing-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) program. They can apply to the 14-week Volvo Service Automotive Factory Education (SAFE) course at UTI’s campus in Avondale, Arizona. Successful MSAT applicants often are sponsored by Volvo and local dealerships to cover the cost of tuition. After two years of employment, and ASE Master Certification, they’re eligible for Master Technician status.
UTI-Exton was approached for the S60 program by Volvo Cars of Ft. Washington, PA (www.volvofw.com). Ian Jeffery, Dealer Principal at Volvo Ft. Washington, is part of a group of leading car dealership owners who supported Volvo’s efforts to create this school initiative in order to encourage more students to specialize in Volvo cars. Volvo Ft. Washington has also sponsored three UTI students over the past year for the MSAT program as part of its collaboration with the school.
“We feel it’s important to invest in the education of these students so that they really understand why this is a great place to work, and can immerse themselves in Volvo’s products, technology and brand,” said Jeffery. “When we sponsor a student, we cover their tuition, room and board, and when they come to work for us, they do very well.”
UTI is unique for its 11 automotive and four diesel MSAT programs, ranging from Toyota, GM, BMW and Porsche to Cummins and Peterbilt, at its 12 campuses nationwide. The specialized certification that students receive through UTI in just a few months can often take up to two years for similar credentials in the field. UTI-Exton offers three accredited MSAT programs — Ford FACT, Peterbilt and Cummins Engines — on site.
Students who wish to extend their UTI education with an MSAT program must meet GPA and attendance requirements, and interview with a brand liaison. For some MSAT programs, students who complete this exclusive training are eligible to connect with local employers and potentially receive assistance with tuition costs.
For more information about UTI, visit www.uti.edu.
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About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.:
With more than 220,000 graduates in its 54-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 and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For more information, visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.
