5 Things to Know About UTI’s New Campus Planned for Austin, TX

Here at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), there’s one thing that’s always constant: change!

For the past 55-plus years, UTI has trained students for careers in the skilled trades,¹ and along the way we’ve opened campus locations across the country. While we have campuses all the way from California and Arizona to Pennsylvania and North Carolina, we have plans to expand our presence.

Our campuses not only provide places for students to train, they also serve the surrounding areas by preparing skilled trade professionals. That’s why UTI is excited to announce the launch of our newest campus in Austin, Texas!

Keep reading to learn more about this brand-new campus.

Austin Will Be UTI’s 13th Campus

Austin will be UTI’s 13th campus — and third campus in Texas — to help meet the demand for skilled technicians and welders. UTI has been training students in the state for more than 38 years, having opened our Houston campus in 1983 and our Dallas/Fort Worth campus in 2010. The Austin campus is scheduled to open in early 2022.

So, why Austin? With industries like transportation, manufacturing and construction helping drive the Texas economy, the state offers exciting opportunities for those skilled in the trades.

According to campus President Julie Mueller, “Austin is one of the country’s most exciting and economically vibrant cities. We are delighted to be able to give students from Austin the opportunity to train in their home market so they will no longer need to travel or relocate to Houston or Dallas.”

Campus Will Have Three Core Programs

The Austin campus will offer three of UTI’s core training programs:

• Automotive Technology: In this 51-week program, course topics will range from simple engine systems to power and performance machines. In a blended learning format, students will learn online and gain hands-on experience in labs as they prepare for a career in the auto industry.¹⁸
• Diesel Technology: In just 45 weeks, students in the diesel program will gain the skills needed to maintain and repair large, powerful equipment. Course topics will range from diesel engine service and repair to electronic systems and transport refrigeration.
• Welding Technology: The 36-week Welding program is designed to prepare students to become combination welders. Utilizing equipment developed by industry leader Lincoln Electric, students will learn four different welding processes and gain skills that can be applied to many different industries.

Employers in Texas Need Skilled Techs

Like the training offered at all UTI campuses, Austin’s will be aligned with what the industry needs. This means graduates will be able to feel confident knowing they have gained skills that are sought by today’s employers.⁶

UTI already is known by employers in Texas. For example, John Norlington, technician recruiter for Sewell Automotive, considers UTI grads when seeking employees.

“When I’m looking for prospective technicians to hire, I’m looking for people who want to be the best and to be a part of a team that is the best,” he shares. “This is an industry that’s very heavy in demand. If you’re willing to put forth the effort, the energy and this is something you like to do, I think that it’s a great career to get into.”

Austin Will Follow a Blended Learning Model

In 2020, UTI announced its transition to a blended learning model, which combines hands-on training with instructor-facilitated online instruction. Not only has this format made going to school more accessible for many students, it also prepares them for the style of learning utilized in the field today.

Alongside UTI’s 12 other campuses, the Austin campus will follow this innovative learning approach. In fact, it’s the first campus to open since the transition, so it will be specifically catered to blended learning.

“We are also thrilled to introduce in our Austin campus a new, innovative layout. It will accommodate Universal Technical Institute’s new blended-learning curriculum, which provides both hands-on and digital training,” Julie shares.

Labs Will Be Equipped With Industry Tools & Technology

Unlike many schools, learning at UTI doesn’t take place in lecture halls. Besides going online on their own schedules to experience instructor-led demonstrations, students also learn by doing, which happens in our state-of-the-industry labs.

To create an environment for hands-on learning, UTI’s campuses are stocked with current tools and technology used in the transportation industry. The Austin campus will be no different. “It will be a state-of-the-industry and versatile facility,” Julie says.

Whether you decide to take the automotive, diesel or welding route, you’ll spend your days putting your knowledge into action in the lab. Not only does this make training more exciting, it prepares students for some of the scenarios experienced in the field.

As you train, you’ll have the support of instructors who have experience working in the field. Our instructors are passionate about what they do, and they go above and beyond to mentor students so they’re equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career.

Get to know UTI instructors by watching our Mentor Series on YouTube.

Ready to Start Training for a Career?

If you’re ready to get on track toward a career, we’re here to help. UTI has teams dedicated to supporting you on your journey — whether you need help navigating financial aid¹⁰ or finding employment during or after your training program, our Support Services team is available to assist you.

To learn more about how UTI can support you in striving for your career training goals, request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.

To learn more about UTI Austin, visit our campus page.