GM, Universal Technical Institute Create Special Elective Program For Students

GM, Universal Technical Institute Create Special Elective Program For Students

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has formalized an agreement with General Motors Co. (GM) to develop a 12-week elective training program for UTI students. The program will first be available at UTI's Avondale campus.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has formalized an agreement with General Motors Co. (GM) to develop a 12-week elective training program for UTI students. The program will first be available at UTI’s Avondale campus.

“The availability of qualified, trained automotive technicians is and will continue to be a critical area of importance for GM,” said Mike Durkin, director dealer service and warranty operations at GM. “When looking at UTI’s industry-leading curriculum, facilities and student and employer support services, we knew we had a solid partner to build something great with, supporting a growing need for technicians at our dealerships across the country.”

The development of this new GM elective program will help provide a steady flow of well-trained, ready-to-work technicians to GM dealers and affiliates, and UTI graduates will benefit from a specialized education that improves their opportunities for employment.

The curriculum for the GM elective program will be developed in partnership between UTI, GM and Raytheon Professional Services (RPS), GM’s training partner for the past 15 years, and a global leader and provider of innovative training solutions. RPS has partnered with UTI in developing a new blended learning curriculum for UTI automotive and diesel technology programs.

“There is no doubt that this GM elective will be a rigorous program that includes some of the latest technology in Web-based learning, and it will prepare students for the way GM technicians perform in the dealership,” said Russ O’Brien, executive director of North America Operations at RPS. “We have worked extensively with GM to develop curriculum for their technicians, and we understand the high caliber of training GM demands.”

Graduates of the GM elective will receive GM credentials that would otherwise take years to earn in the field.

“It has long been our desire to partner with GM, one of the most recognized brands in the industry. We are excited that they have chosen UTI to be a provider of top-notch GM-specific training to our students,” said Kim McWaters, CEO of UTI. “While many of our graduates are currently enjoying successful careers with GM dealers, this elective program will provide dealers even greater access to qualified entry-level technicians who have GM-specific credentials when they graduate.”

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video

The goal is to emphasize the need for federal REPAIR Act legislation, according to the Auto Care Association.

The Auto Care Association launched a new Right to Repair video campaign, featuring independent repair shop owners from across the United States share their stories and shed light on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles. 

The video campaign emphasizes the need for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (“REPAIR” Act), which ensures vehicle owners and repair shops have access to tools and data needed to keep cars and trucks on the road safer, longer.

ASE Education Foundation, Goodguys Continue Partnership

Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024 Inductees

Six honorees whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace will be recognized.

Other Posts

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

The company will showcase its Restore & Protect motor oil in a 30-second ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Litens Adds Distribution Footprint via Acquisition

With the acquisition, Litens is set to improve its overall customer experience through enhanced communication capabilities and increased flexibility that enables Litens to further meet diverse customer demands with ease.

Advance Auto Parts, Baker Mayfield Partner for Super Bowl

If there is a false start penalty during Sunday’s Big Game in Las Vegas, fans can win free DieHard batteries for life.