June 13, 2012 - Two UTI students give a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Like father, like son”

Jon and his father, Paul, unite common interests with common goals

Jon Klein, a student in the automotive technology training program at UTI-Exton, enjoys spending time with his father, Paul Klein. They have a lot in common, including an interest in cars, serving in the armed forces and being dedicated family men. What sets this father-son duo apart from most, however, is their current common interest: being students at UTI.

Jon and Paul are both working toward completing the automotive technology training program and Toyota Professional Automotive Training (TPAT) at UTI-Exton, taking almost all of their courses together. The similarities only continue from there. They both have 100 percent attendance records, 4.0 GPAs and the desire to help classmates complete work in the lab.

As lab partners in their transmission course, Jon and Paul have learned to work as a team and are always on the lookout for ways to expand their learning. “Since we are usually finished before everyone else in lab, we’re given the opportunity to do additional prep work,” said Paul.

Jon and Paul’s ability to work in a team environment seems to come naturally, but also from their experiences serving in the Army. Paul retired from the Army in 2003 after working on helicopters for 20 years during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in Bosnia. He then continued to busy his hands and mind by working for the railroad, where Jon joined Paul, and that was the first of many father-son careers they would share.

In 2008, Jon joined the Army, and upon returning from artillery duty in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Jon and Paul decided to attend school together. After looking at many options, the Kleins chose UTI-Exton for the TPAT and Ford programs, in addition to the feedback and support they received from the campus team. After completing their current programs, both Jon and Paul plan to enroll in Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT).

Having each other during their training at UTI has been fun, but they credit more than just their father-son bond for their dedication, success and goals. Paul’s wife, Tina, is fully supportive of her husband’s and son’s dreams, and is holding down the fort, so to speak, back in Alabama where the Kleins are from. “She stayed home to take care of all the critters – three dogs, four cats, and a chicken – and keep the home fires burning.” Jon’s fiancée, Lori, committed even further, moving to Exton with Jon and Paul to give them support, and as Jon says, “keeps us sane and fed.”

The Kleins aren’t done working together, even after they graduate from UTI. They have plans to eventually open an automotive shop together in Alabama. The first car Paul worked on himself was a ’75 Ford Bronco. The first car Jon owned and worked on was a ’68 Dodge Dart that he inherited from his great aunt. If dedication to those first cars still holds true, it should make for an interesting shop!

Visit www.uti.edu today to learn more about training to maintain and service Nissan, BMW, Volvo, MINI, Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda vehicles and more.

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