February 25, 2013 - Standing Out in Sacramento: UTI Student Cottrell Hardy

UTI Student Cottrell Hardy balancing work and studies – and excelling at both.

When employees at Universal Technical Institute’s Sacramento campus recently chose a fellow employee for the monthly campus “HERO” award, they did more than choose an employee – they chose a student, too.

 Cottrell Hardy, a 27-year-old student from Stockton, Calif., in the Automotive/Diesel Program, also works in the facilities office of the campus. He’s been a standout in both roles.

In class, he’s maintained almost a 4.0 GPA, holds a near perfect attendance record and has been recognized as Student of the Course in two classes and Directors Honors List for eight courses.

Hardy takes the same initiative at work.

“He is a leader, not a follower,” says Cynthia Smith, UTI-Sacramento facilities director. “He is always positive and respectful.”

That approach to his job in the facilities department earned him the respect of his peers – and a HERO award.

Hardy’s road to UTI-Sacramento and the job wasn’t smooth. While working two jobs in Stockton to make ends meet, Hardy realized he needed to make a change to set his life on a new, better course. He initially considered a career in aviation, but didn’t believe the job prospects were good. The job outlook in the automotive industry appeared better and, unlike other experiences, he didn’t feel like he was a number when he came to tour the UTI-Sacramento campus.

Now, as he prepares to graduate, Hardy’s goal is to work in the diesel industry. With his training experience at UTI, he hopes to secure a job with an employer where he can put his skills to work.

Learn more about UTI-Sacramento and the programs offered at its campus. Visit http://www.uti.edu/campus-locations/sacramento and “like” the campus Facebook page.