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How far would you go to chase your dream?
For UTI grad Davidson Ansick, the answer is as far as necessary.
Davidson has loved German cars for as long as he can remember. His pursuit to one day work on these modern machines took him from his Nevada hometown to Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Arizona, where he received industry training and gained the skills to build a career in the transportation industry.
Now? Davidson is a technician with the world-class German automaker of his dreams: Porsche. Keep reading to learn about his inspiring story and how he turned his passion into a full-time career:
Davidson was in high school when he took his first automotive class, which is what sparked his passion for the industry. While he loved working on cars in his free time, he had never considered turning this passion into a career.
However, that all changed one day during his junior year when a UTI recruiter visited his automotive class. The more he learned about the career path of a technician, the more he was interested.
After graduation, Davidson worked in construction but knew it wasn’t what he wanted. UTI was always in the back of his mind. After working for some time, he decided to look into a UTI education, and eventually enrolled at the Avondale campus.
For Davidson, going back to school this time around was much different than what his memory of high school was. At UTI, he was doing what he loved and was building his future.
As his core training progressed, Davidson attended his first UTI career expo. It was there that he was introduced to the Porsche Technology Apprenticeship Program (PTAP), a manufacturer-paid, specialized training program exclusive to UTI.
Davidson soared through his automotive and diesel programs with high marks and a perfect attendance record. Once he graduated, he applied to the PTAP program and was accepted. Soon after, he was off to Atlanta for 23 weeks of specialized, hands-on training to work for one of the most iconic brands in the automotive industry.15
Two months into the apprenticeship program, the world changed with a single word: COVID-19.
The pandemic forced the training center to transition to online instruction. It wasn’t ideal, especially for students like Davidson, who’d rather be working under the hood than sitting at a desk.
Despite the circumstances, however, Davidson made the best of the situation and says his instructors did the same. Davidson credits them for helping students like him feel supported and finish successfully…even during the pandemic.
Today, Davidson is among the essential automotive and diesel technicians who are keeping this country and its economy moving.
He completed PTAP in August and has already started his new job with Porsche of the Main Line, a premier Porsche dealer in the Philadelphia area.6
Davidson says he feels fortunate to have a job doing what he loves, especially at a time when so many young people are struggling to find work. He’s proud to be part of a brand he’s always admired and enjoys the challenge of working on some of the automotive industry’s most advanced vehicles.
Given the transportation industry’s growing need for technicians, Davidson is confident in his training and that his skills will remain in demand.
So what’s next for this Porsche technician?
In the near-term, Davidson would like to work his way up with Porsche and become a gold-level technician, the industry’s top certification. He has even thought about owning his own dealership someday. With the success he’s had so far, it seems like there’s nothing he can’t do.
Overall, Davidson’s story is proof that with a dream, ambition, and the right training, you can achieve big things. Making it in this industry isn’t always easy—but the hard work is worth it in the end.
Looking to pursue an exciting career like Davidson? In just 51 weeks, you could be trained for a career in the automotive industry.7 To learn more and take the first step on your journey, request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
In the meantime, feel free to check out these helpful resources:
Find out how UTI grad Patrick Sellers became a Porsche technician.
Veronica Anderson is the first female automotive technician at Mercedes-Benz of Chicago. And she's only 19! Now you can read her inspiring story.
Want a career in the skilled trades? Learn what employers look for when hiring welders, auto techs, diesel technicians, collision repair techs and more.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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