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March 20, 2013 - UTI-Avondale Graduate, Exposed to Technical Education in High School, Finds Success at UTI

As Arizona faces major budget deficits, cuts in education are constantly looming. The first on the chopping block? Technical programs, which tend to face some of the biggest threats, when deciding what’s to be cut. In 2011, Arizona legislators passed a budget in the spring that eliminated $30 million in funding for vocational-education programs such as culinary arts, automotive repair and engineering.

Yet, these technical programs are proven to keep students engaged in school and help them to eventually graduate. Estevan Di Bene is a prime example of the career path that can be achieved through being exposed to a technical education in high school. Estevan was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz. and attended Canyon Del Oro (CDO) high school. As most freshman, Estevan had no idea what his career path might be, until he enrolled in the automotive technology program at CDO his freshman year. As he continued the program all the way through his senior year, he describes his passion for working on cars as the “itch or bug, I couldn’t shake off.”

Following his high school graduation in May of 2010, he enrolled at Universal Technical Institute’s Avondale, Ariz. campus, and completed the core automotive technology program, as well as the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program. Achieving top grades in his class, Estevan then decided to apply for the highly selective BMW Service Technician Education Program (STEP) at UTI.

UTI’s BMW STEP is unique in that it works directly with BMW dealerships across the country, who aid in the selection process of its students. The program comes at no additional cost to students, and is completely paid for by the dealerships. If students graduate BMW STEP with excellent marks and attendance, they are offered a job with the dealership that selected them for the program.

Estevan completed BMW STEP in Dec. 2012. At the young age of 21, he is starting his career with BMW Las Vegas. Yet, before he would pack his bags, Estevan wanted to return to his former high school, CDO, and make sure other students were aware of the opportunities that are possible through post-secondary technical schools like UTI. After he graduated from UTI, Estevan made presentations to several CDO automotive classes and spent time with students answering questions about his career path.

“While fellow high school classmates are still trying to figure out what they want to do, I’m beginning a career in something that I love to do,” said Estevan. “CDO exposed me to this career, but UTI took me to the next level, and provided me access to employers like BMW.”

For more information about UTI, visit www.uti.edu. Follow UTI-Avondale on Facebook at www.facebook.com/utiphx and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/utitweet.

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1) UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

2) For important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended this program, and to review the applicable Gainful Employment disclosure, visit our website at www.uti.edu/disclosures.

5) UTI programs prepare graduates for careers in industries using the provided training, primarily as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a technician, such as: parts associate, service writer, fabricator, paint and paint prep, and shop owner/operator. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

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