Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has a deep and long-standing commitment to serve and support our country’s veterans through quality education and potential career opportunities.

That’s why in early 2021, UTI and Premier Truck Group (PTG) developed the 12-week Premier Truck Group Technician Skills Program, also known as the PTG Diesel Tech Program. Located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, the program focuses on providing industry-aligned training that leads directly to employment with PTG for retiring military members.1

Keep reading to learn more about the program from the perspective of both a PTG graduate and instructor, as well as resources for military service members at UTI.

Retired Sergeant First Class Yusef Davis: Finding His Way to UTI

Yusef Davis, Army sergeant first class (E-7) retired, was a mechanic and single parent when he first joined the Army National Guard in 1997 and quickly decided to transfer to active duty. As his career was winding down while stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina, Davis considered enrolling at, NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, but decided he wanted to move west.

Davis transferred to Fort Bliss, and the first day he was on base, UTI was recruiting soldiers for the PTG Diesel Tech Program. Davis signed up immediately.

“The PTG Diesel Tech Career Program was the perfect fit for me as a mechanic and retiree,” Davis said. “I knew this would give me peace of mind providing additional training and job opportunities upon graduation, and open doors for me. I’m where I want to be.”6

Davis graduated from the PTG Diesel Tech Program in February 2022 and, a few months later, started working at one of PTG’s Dallas dealerships. In May, after deciding to continue his studies while working for PTG, Davis used his GI Bill® and a Salute to Service Grant22 to enroll at UTI Dallas in the Automotive & Diesel Technology II Program at UTI Dallas/Fort Worth.21

Davis is scheduled to graduate with an associate of occupational studies (AOS) degree, which will allow him to show his commitment and skill level to prospective employers.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer Lance Henson: Serving Veterans as a PTG Instructor

Lance Henson, Army chief warrant officer (CW4) retired, is now a PTG Diesel Tech Program instructor at Fort Bliss. Henson graduated from the Diesel Technology program at UTI Avondale in Arizona and also completed the Daimler Trucks North American (DTNA) Finish First Program.

The DTNA program is a 12-week specialized training program students can apply for in addition to their core Diesel training. The program specializes in providing hands-on training with leading names in the industry like Freightliner, Cascadia and Western Star. In addition to Avondale, the program is offered at UTI campuses in Lisle, Illinois and Orlando, Florida.

After completing the DTNA program and earning his Professional Level Technician status, Henson decided to become an instructor for the PTG Diesel Tech Program. He has extensive experience with trucks and other military vehicles, as well as tactical weapons, air-conditioning systems and welding.

“Being an instructor allows me to give back to veterans, and this was a perfect way to serve them,” Henson said. “The program is a perfect situation that eases soldiers into life after the Army knowing they have a career opportunity and resources to help them.”

A Great Opportunity for Retired Military Service Members

The PTG Diesel Tech Program curriculum includes hands-on technical training that focuses on diagnostic paths and service technologies unique to PTG.

The program is open to all branches of service, including National Guard and Reserve. Requirements for the program are:

• High school diploma or GED diploma
• ASVAB Line scores: MM92+ or MM score of 87 and a minimum GT score of 85
• Discharges must be considered honorable
• Passing a drug screening
• Clean MVD record
• Commander support letter
• Professional or personal mechanical experience

Graduates from the program at Fort Bliss join the ranks of PTG’s nearly 2,700 employees, including approximately 850 technicians.1 The company spans 39 commercial truck locations across the United States and Canada.

UTI and PTG appreciate our military members’ service and sacrifice. We’re committed to helping them transition to civilian life and the next chapter with the PTG Diesel Tech Program, along with other Military & Veterans Services. Service members interested in applying for or learning more about the program can send an email to premiertruckbliss@uti.edu or call 915-471-6351.