It is incredibly valuable for these students to have the opportunity to develop automotive technology skills and learn about programs like ours, where they can hone those skills after high school,” said Robert Kessler, campus president at UTI-Exton. “Our campuses have been hosting the Top Tech Challenge competition for more than a decade now, and each time we’re impressed by students’ breadth and depth of knowledge. UTI has more than 35 leading manufacturer brands and local employers who look to us to train the next generation of technicians. This is a great way to encourage and reward students’ interest in the transportation industry, and we’re proud to say 170 students who’ve won these tuition grants have graduated from UTI so far.
EXTON, Pa. (June 16, 2022) – Universal Technical Institute-Exton hosted its annual Top Tech Challenge, allowing high school students from around the region to compete for tuition grants and prizes while testing their knowledge of vehicles, diagnostics and repair. Two local high school students walked away with grants covering 100% of their UTI tuition.
Thirty-two teams from the greater Philadelphia area went head-to-head at the campus on Saturday, April 30, competing in both hands-on and written tests on automotive parts, engines, diagnostics and electrical systems using UTI’s state-of-the-industry facility and equipment. Each student of the overall winning team was awarded a 100% tuition grant to attend UTI, as well as a Snap-On tool chest and tool set for their school.
Students on the winning team of two, Damian Schafer and Jeremy King from Wallenpaupack Area High School in Hawley, Penn., demonstrated know-how in all competitive areas. They can now advance their skill sets by utilizing their 100% tuition grants at one of 13 UTI campuses nationwide.
“It is incredibly valuable for these students to have the opportunity to develop automotive technology skills and learn about programs like ours, where they can hone those skills after high school,” said Robert Kessler, campus president at UTI-Exton. “Our campuses have been hosting the Top Tech Challenge competition for more than a decade now, and each time we’re impressed by students’ breadth and depth of knowledge. UTI has more than 35 leading manufacturer brands and local employers who look to us to train the next generation of technicians. This is a great way to encourage and reward students’ interest in the transportation industry, and we’re proud to say 170 students who’ve won these tuition grants have graduated from UTI so far.”
Theodore Pearson and Grant Moore from Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Va., finished second, earning a 75% tuition grant, and Bradin Vinciguerra and Cole Powell from Gloucester County Institute of Technology in Sewell, N.J., came in third, earning a 50% tuition grant. They also received a Snap-On tool chest and tool set for their schools. Fourth through sixth place winners received a 25% tuition grant.
The automotive industry needs highly trained professionals due to growth, net replacements and retirements from the trade. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the transportation industry will have to fill a combined average of 111,000 automotive, diesel and collision job openings annually through 2030.[1]
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. More than 225,000 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.
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[1] [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 Automotive Body and Related Repairers, 15,200. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
