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FROM STUDENT TO UTI MIRAMAR’S FIRST BMW FASTTRACK INSTRUCTOR

10/24/2023

It's not often that someone's journey takes them full circle. Born and raised in Miami, FL, Daniel Goldsmith, UTI Miramar’s first BMW FastTrack instructor, is a testament to this phenomenon. His story, which starts with his graduation from Universal Technical Institute in 2007, is marked with challenges and triumphs.

The Backstory: A Career Full of Twists and Turns

After graduating from the automotive program at UTI Orlando, Daniel was immediately called home to Miami where his daughter was born. Initially, he was involved in front-end work for Audi and Porsche. However, with the 2008 economic collapse, he was laid off, leading him to a job at Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, they soon closed, so he then spent a year at Miami Acura.

His big break came when an opportunity at BMW presented itself. It's here that he spent a decade gaining invaluable experience in various roles, including technician, service advisor and shop manager. Little did he know that this would be the perfect experience needed for his real calling in life as a UTI instructor. But even then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, he found himself out of a job again.

“I just had to stay the course. Even through all the hardships, I was still able to get a job everywhere,” Daniel tells us. “It didn’t matter if I applied at a Goodyear, it’s skilled labor and I carry that knowledge with me for life.”

During a stint working for Porsche, he saw UTI needed instructors for a location opening near his hometown of Miami and he jumped at the opportunity.  Today, he considers UTI Miramar his home.  

The Present: Helping Shape the Future of Automotive Technicians

In Sep. 2022, Daniel started as an instructor, reuniting with some of his own instructors who were at UTI Orlando back in the day.

“It’s been nothing but good things since I started,” says Daniel. “The support I get from the organization is incredible. Soon, I’ll have my students graduating and I just think on my training in Orlando, seeing the old instructors that had me and having them recognize me. I hope I do get to see some of my own students again.

Photo of two individuals named Danny and Angel.

When UTI Miramar opened the BMW FastTrack program, a 12-week program that trains students in all things BMW,11 they knew Daniel was the man for the job.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life. I wake up with a passion wanting to go to work,” Daniel shares.

Having first been an automotive instructor before moving into the BMW FastTrack role, he has had the opportunity to work with some students since Day 1.

Photo of two individuals named Danny and Shorn.

In this program, Daniel has made it his goal to make his classrooms feel like they would in the workplace. His hard work has paid off as he's noticed a significant change in his students going from core training to BMW FastTrack.

“I’ve had all of these students during the core program, so I know what they were like prior, and they are completely different students,” says Daniel. “BMW FastTrack is more real-life tech situations, and the fact that they’re more focused and invested now, you can see a 180-degree turn. Seeing that turn was the most rewarding for me and knowing this is what they want to do for the rest of their lives.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future at UTI

As for his future at UTI Miramar, Daniel is optimistic. He firmly believes he's found his "work home" and plans to retire here. His dedication hasn't gone unnoticed either. Just last year, Daniel won the Alumni award and the Spirit of Ownership award at UTI, and was recognized by the mayor of Miramar!

Image of a BMW vehicle.

Daniel Goldsmith's journey from student to the BMW FastTrack instructor at UTI Miramar serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and determination. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to trust the process and emerge successful.77

If you’re interested in training in a specific brand you love, UTI is the place for you. Check out our automotive program page or Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training page to learn more.
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77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

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