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Among the trade schools at the fair was the Universal Technical Institute, which representative Jose Vasquez said “provides students with programs in the transportation industry, manufacturing sector, and energy sector.” Vasquez detailed UTI’s offerings to students, such as its “16 different programs, 15 campuses, and 35 leading manufacturing partners.”

BMW of North America and UTI offer the BMW MSTEP technician training program at Camp Pendleton and Fort Bragg, N.C., while Premier Truck Group and UTI offer a diesel technician training program at Fort Bliss, Texas. The programs are available to service members with a technician background who are transitioning to civilian life.

“Veterans are highly trained, talented and agile, and among the most dedicated, capable and disciplined students and employees we’ve met,” said Jerome Grant, CEO of UTI. “It is our privilege to support them. That’s why we have built a welcoming environment and programs like this that appreciates their service and sacrifice. We are committed to help our veterans reach their full potential.”

UTI and PTG made and continue to make the entire process incredibly easy from application through graduation, finding a PTG dealership that suited my needs and helping me find housing. I’m so grateful for this program. I’m where I want to be.

"BMW in partnership with UTI, is the first premium luxury importer to offer on-base automotive technical training, and we are honored to be help service members transition to a rewarding career as a BMW technician," said Gary Uyematsu, National Technical Training Manager, BMW of North America.

In addition to rolling out the red carpet, shops can win over students with a tuition reimbursement incentive plan (TRIP), said Robert Kessler, regional vice president of operations at Universal Technical Institute and president of UTI’s campus in Exton, Pennsylvania.

Grundy High School and NASCAR Technical Institute alum Ranson Owens returned to his hometown Monday.

In January, the Universal Technical Institute expanded its Welding Technology Training program to the NASCAR Technical Institute campus.

Also taking part in the event was Universal Technical Institute, a private and for-profit trade school with campuses spread all over the United States. The closest UTI campus to Emporia is the NASCAR Technical Institute, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte.