Free summer program lets students test drive career in vehicle repair

May 25, 2022

Universal Technical Institute's three-week program called "Ignite" will allow incoming high school seniors to try out a technical education.

Fleet Maintenance staff

As high school seniors ready themselves for graduation and whatever comes next, it's time for the Class of 2023 to ponder their future as well. With rampant inflation and even more out-of-control college tuition costs to contend with, a career in vehicle repair may be the best option for those who can handle the challenge. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual need for 146,000 skilled workers (welders and automotive and diesel techs) in the sector each year throughout the decade.

To help students discern if they have the right stuff for vehicle maintenance, Universal Technical Institute is offering a free, three-week Summer Ignite Program, which lets incoming high school seniors kick the tires on the skilled trade and see if the work revs their passion.

"It's important to educate high school students about the demand for skilled technicians, and the extensive opportunities that exist in transportation and the skilled trades," UTI CEO Jerome Grant stated. "Our summer Ignite program gives students invaluable real-world training and can help open doors to lifelong careers they may have not considered. We're excited to bring the program back to our campuses at full capacity this year, with the goal of hopefully providing our employer partners with more talented technicians in the future."

UTI will leverage industry tools and technology to give a students an introductory course where they will learn more about automotive, motorcycle and collision repair. The skills learned will mirror some of those taught to students enrolled at UTI. The tech school will carry over credits for those who decide to continue a full education at one of their campuses.

Potential program topics include:

How vehicles are designed and manufactured
How gasoline and diesel engines work
Fundamental diagnostic, maintenance and repair skills
Exciting technologies including computer management and control systems
Steps to safely service hydraulic brakes
Information on career opportunities for qualified technicians

The Ignite program is currently accepting applications at its campuses in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas.

For more information or to enroll, visit uti.edu/ignite.