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July 17, 2014 - Jennifer Bergeron Speaks at 82nd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors

Jennifer Bergeron, Campus President at the NASCAR Technical Institute campus of Universal Technical Institute (www.uti.com), the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, recently addressed the 82nd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors held June 20-23 in Dallas, Texas. Bergeron spoke about UTI’s commitment to technical and STEM education that addresses the growing labor skills gap, and challenged attendees to strengthen support for professional education and vocational programs as an educational opportunity.

“At UTI, we believe that education in this country has become too far removed from its original purpose -  to teach students employable skills,” said Bergeron in her speech. “And if we as a nation fail to come together to address this deficit in our educational focus, we will perpetuate the skilled labor shortages that are hamstringing our economy – not to mention do a disservice to the students who are seeking guidance on how to build their future.”

Bergeron was invited to address the Advanced Manufacturing Task Force, along with Elias Alcantara, Associate Director at the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Walter Amaya, Executive Supply Chain Leader at GE Manufacturing Solutions. Virg Bernero, Mayor of Lansing, Michigan, chaired the Task Force panel, which convened on Sunday, June 22.

“Unless we as a nation are willing to align on the idea of education R.O.I., we will fail to create educational programs that prepare our students for real jobs,” continued Bergeron. “We will fail to fill the demand for workers that exists in business today. And we will risk perpetuating, if not increasing, the financial burden being carried by students who can’t use their degrees in the real world. I believe in innovation. And I believe in technological and scientific advancement. But we need people who can build those innovations, and turn them from concept into reality. It’s time to support the education of high-skill workers who will be the ones to construct and maintain those innovations, and ensure that they succeed.”

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. During this four-day gathering, the mayors of approximately 250 cities discussed a broad range of policy issues including the minimum wage, immigration, energy, infrastructure, housing, and education. Participants voted on policy resolutions that will drive the advocacy agenda of the organization and elected new leadership.

For more information on the UTI-NASCAR campus in North Carolina, visit the website and stay connected on Facebook or Twitter.

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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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