Still in high school and already thinking about your future? Universal Technical Institute’s Summer Ignite Program gives you the chance to start exploring technical career paths before you graduate. Best of all, it’s offered at no cost to eligible high school juniors and seniors.32
Whether you’re curious about automotive, diesel, welding, HVACR or other skilled trades, the UTI Summer Ignite Program can help you test-drive training, meet industry-experienced instructors and even earn credit toward a future program at UTI.
What is UTI’s Summer Ignite Program?
UTI’s Summer Ignite Program is a summer training initiative designed for rising high school seniors who want to explore hands-on learning opportunities in the trades.18 The program typically runs during the summer months at select UTI campuses nationwide. It’s a three-week program designed to give high school students a sample of what it’s like to train at UTI — at no cost.
Top 5 Benefits of Enrolling in UTI’s Summer Ignite Program
1) Earn credit toward your post-secondary training
One of the biggest advantages of Summer Ignite is that participants may earn credit toward certain UTI programs. That means once you officially enroll after high school, you could be one step ahead of your classmates. This head start can save you time in completing your training.
Course topics vary across all our campuses. However, by successfully completing Summer Ignite, students can receive credit toward their education if they choose to attend UTI after graduating from high school. Ignite students are held to the same standards as our full-time students, meaning they must meet attendance, academic and professional requirements in order to pass the course.
From exploring the basics of diesel engines to learning fundamental welding skills, Summer Ignite students have the opportunity to gain in-demand skills that can help them in their training. Depending on the campus you attend, program topics may include:
- How vehicles are designed and manufactured.
- How gasoline and diesel engines work.
- Fundamental diagnostic, maintenance and repair skills.
- Exciting technologies, including computer management and control systems.
- Steps to safely service hydraulic brakes.
- Fundamental collision repair and welding skills.
- Information on career opportunities for qualified technicians.
2) Explore a new industry
Not sure if automotive, diesel, welding or HVACR is for you? Summer Ignite is a low-pressure way to test your interests. You’ll get hands-on training in labs and explore systems and technologies that today’s technicians work with. The curriculum was created for all skill levels. In the program, you can learn valuable skills from the ground up! Whether you’ve worked on cars for years or have no prior experience, you can take advantage of all Summer Ignite has to offer.
3) The same skills at no cost to you
UTI’s Summer Ignite Program is offered at no tuition cost for eligible high school participants. You’ll train with the same instructors, in the same labs and on the same equipment as full-time UTI students, without the financial commitment. This makes Summer Ignite a smart way to explore your options.
4) Make connections
In addition to learning new skills and exploring a career in the skilled trades, Summer Ignite provides an opportunity to make connections that could benefit you as you prepare to pursue a career in the industry. In class, you’ll be learning from passionate instructors with real-world experience. Our instructors act as mentors to our students, providing them with the guidance they need as they pursue their passion.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other students with similar interests. In our interactive labs, you can collaborate with your classmates and build community. You just might meet your future classmates if you decide to attend UTI after high school!
Providing students with opportunities to meet employers will be a key focus in this year’s program. Our connections are your connections, and attending Summer Ignite can give you the opportunity to interact with employers who have hired our graduates. You’ll also have the chance to hear from UTI grads about the opportunities for skilled technicians and what it’s like to work in the industry.
5) It’s fun!
Summer school can be exciting. Summer Ignite combines technical training with hands-on activities that keep you engaged. You’ll get to learn with real tools, collaborate with peers and even challenge yourself with projects that mimic real-world scenarios.
How To Enroll in Ignite 2026
Signing up is simple:
- Check eligibility. You must be a high school senior (or in some cases a junior) to apply.
- Choose a participating campus. Summer Ignite is offered at select UTI locations nationwide.
- Submit your application. You’ll complete a short form through UTI Admissions.
- Confirm your spot. Once accepted, you’ll receive details on program dates, schedules and what to bring.
- Show up ready to learn!
Save Your Spot at UTI’s Summer Ignite Program
Ready to explore a potential future in the skilled trades? UTI’s Summer Ignite Program can help you start strong, at no cost, while you’re still in high school. Sessions will fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible! Visit www.UTI.edu/Ignite to learn more information and register today.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.