UTI Grad Brandon Rubio: Turning a Passion into a Career

From the camaraderie and spirit that roars alongside tractors being repaired to the knowledge and handy work needed to complete each project, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) graduate Brandon Rubio loves every aspect of his career as a service technician at Shoppa’s Farm Supply in Beaumont, Texas.

Soon after stepping off the UTI Houston campus, Brandon was stepping into his position at the John Deere dealership amidst the global pandemic.1

Read on to learn about Brandon’s story and how UTI helped shape him into “a doctor for tractors” as he likes to put it.

Getting Inspired

Of the many industries represented at a recruiting fair in a high school auditorium—where he first met someone from UTI—Brandon was most drawn to the automotive industry.

The conversations Brandon had with a UTI Admissions Representative in his sophomore and junior years of high school gave him the insights he needed to make a move toward enrolling in UTI Houston’s Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology program.   

Brandon knew the experience he would get from the program would help set him up for the win-win situation of getting paid to do what he loves. With that goal in mind, he was inspired to turn his passion into a career and pursue his technical training. 

Experiencing the Field Firsthand

The picture painted by the UTI Admissions Representative came to life when Brandon stepped on campus.

The learning environment was designed to resemble a shop where most students envisioned themselves working after graduation. It was a place where Brandon thrived: a shop atmosphere with hands-on training.

In addition to the technical training Brandon received, he also experienced the types of lively interactions that accompany the career of a technician. The exchanges with other students and his instructor were what stood out most to Brandon throughout his time at UTI.

Their conversations made him feel these were his co-workers as they talked comfortably with each other. He didn’t know it then, but this all gave him a taste of what his future career would be like, as well as what would make him smile on the way home from the job.   

Stepping off Campus and into the Shop

There is no typical transition from technician training to a full-time job.  Brandon found himself searching for and starting his career in the middle of a global pandemic. Although an unprecedented time, the industry was still experiencing a demand for employees, according to Brandon.

And specifically, the dealerships that serve farming and ranching markets had an even higher need for technicians than usual. As our country’s farmers and ranchers faced the need for more agricultural commodities, Brandon and his new co-workers faced the need for working agricultural equipment.

As soon as he walked in the door, Brandon’s technical training from UTI was put to the test.

Brandon was proud to step into a role that supported essential services while experiencing the rewarding feeling that accompanies a hard day’s work at Shoppa’s Farm Supply. Brandon recalls one specific project during the pandemic that left him feeling both exhausted and accomplished.

He and two of his co-workers were called to a citrus nursery to fix several tractors. The citrus farmers were counting on Brandon and his co-workers to not only do the needed repairs but to do so in a short amount of time.

With a high level of efficiency, the project was completed. And when they returned to their shop, Brandon and his co-workers were applauded by their colleagues.

Ensuring the safety of the people operating the vehicles Brandon services is not something he takes lightly. He knows that when someone purchases a vehicle, they don’t necessarily understand the nitty-gritty of what makes it run.

Instead, Brandon feels it’s his job to guarantee the vehicle operates properly so others can successfully do their jobs.

With each project, he considers what can go wrong if his job is done incorrectly. Even a simple mistake can make a big impact, which is why he takes each task very seriously, operating on the vehicle as a doctor would on a person.

Despite the circumstances, Brandon looks back at his transition to the workforce as a natural one. According to Brandon, UTI helped prepare him by assisting with his résumé and equipping him with interview skills in addition to the technical training needed on the first day and every day since.

Words from the Wise

The doctor of tractors advises that those who are interested in pursuing a path similar to his should become informed. He encourages anyone curious about the automotive and diesel industries to learn more about the careers available. If the insights gained from the research fuel a passion, he says, then go for it!

Only a few years later and a couple of months into his career as a technician, Brandon still has the same appetite for learning.

Brandon’s success with securing a position as a service technician following his education at UTI has inspired him to plan for the future. He plans to fuel his passion by investing in more training at UTI to help further accelerate his career.6

Brandon’s investment in his passions go beyond his goals in technical training. He also enjoys playing music in his spare time. “You can ask my classmates at UTI,” Brandon said. “If I wasn’t reading a textbook for the course, I would be playing guitar.”

Start Your Technician Career at UTI

UTI’s Automotive and Diesel programs provide hands-on maintenance and repair experience needed in the transportation industry. Whether it’s simple engine systems or performance machines, you’ll receive comprehensive training and industry experience.

To learn more, visit our programs page and request information today before speaking with one of our Admissions Representatives.