“The Ignite program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get an idea of the opportunities available to them in the field,” said John Suslowicz, Instructor for the Summer Ignite Program. “I have watched students who have completed the program come back to attend UTI to train for careers in the transportation sector. This program is a great place to get a head start for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this industry.”
Bloomfield, NJ - Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Bloomfield is once again giving high school juniors a head start preparing for careers in the transportation industry through Ignite – a no-cost summer program for high school juniors interested in exploring high-tech, in-demand careers. Last year, 16 students attended the program at UTI Bloomfield and received intensive, hands-on, in-person training and the opportunity to earn credits toward a UTI program.
As part of its ongoing effort to address workforce need for skilled transportation technicians, UTI is excited to bring the three-week Ignite program back to full capacity at its campuses nationwide this summer. UTI Bloomfield’s program is scheduled to begin on July 18, 2022.
Ignite participants are given an introductory sample of the technician training programs completed by full-time UTI students. Students explore career opportunities in the transportation field and receive hands-on training on current technologies in UTI's state-of-the-industry classrooms and labs.
“The demand for skilled technicians is extremely high, especially throughout the tri-state area,” said Shawn Alexander, UTI Bloomfield President. “The Ignite program gives us the opportunity to not only provide invaluable training to high school students, but also open their eyes to the career paths available to them upon graduation.”
There are more than 146,000 combined average annual automotive, diesel and welding job openings in the U.S.[1]
UTI launched Ignite nationwide in summer 2018 following a successful pilot program at campuses in Avondale (Phoenix), Ariz.; Houston, Texas; and Orlando, Fla. Participation steadily increased in 2019, before the program went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the three-week program, students have the opportunity to earn UTI credit that can be applied when they enroll.
“The Ignite program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get an idea of the opportunities available to them in the field,” said John Suslowicz, Instructor for the Summer Ignite Program. “I have watched students who have completed the program come back to attend UTI to train for careers in the transportation sector. This program is a great place to get a head start for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this industry.”
The Ignite program is now accepting applications across UTI's campuses in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas. For more information or to enroll, visit www.uti.edu/ignite.
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Phoenix, Universal Technical Institute's (NYSE: UTI) mission is to serve our students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers. Approximately 250,000 students have graduated from one of UTI's 15 campuses located across Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas. UTI's campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), while its employer-aligned technical training programs are offered under four brands: Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute / Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute, and MIAT College of Technology. For more information and a complete list of all programs offered, please visit www.uti.edu or follow on LinkedIn @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and on Twitter @news_UTI.
[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the national average annual job openings in each of the following occupations between 2020 and 2030 will be: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 69,000; Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, 28,100; and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, 49,200. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
