Shell Pennzoil and UTI: Transforming the Industry

In an automotive and diesel technician industry that's experiencing a shortage in skilled workers, relationships like those between Shell Pennzoil and Universal Technical Institute (UTI) help invigorate interest in these trades that are fueled by science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Since May 2014, Shell Pennzoil has provided valuable support for UTI and NASCAR Technical Institute. Shell's Pennzoil and Rotella lubricants are the exclusive lubricants for UTI Auto and Diesel courses across the country, throughout more than a dozen campuses.

Providing these high-quality lubricants isn't the only way Shell Pennzoil makes a significant contribution to students and the next generation of talented technicians from UTI. Shell also provides:

• Educational development and instructor training
• Marketing and awareness for UTI programs
• Scholarships and emergency funding

Nancy Bruner, director of influencer marketing for North America for Shell Lubricants, says by working with UTI, Shell Pennzoil and UTI contribute to creating a stronger workforce, which benefits everyone.¹

“There are more jobs than there are certified technicians to fill them,” says Bruner. “We're trying to let students know the options they have and overcome the perception that students can only go to a four-year college and have a career in a non-trade profession.”

In addition to creating initiatives to reach high school students, Shell Pennzoil also supports programs that alert veterans returning from service to the in-demand professions the auto and diesel industries have available today. Shell Pennzoil is an instrumental partner for trade schools like UTI in creating a welcoming perception for these industries and the viable career paths they offer.

The Value Shell Brings to UTI

The work of Shell is evident throughout UTI classrooms and curriculums. In addition to students being able to use high-end synthetic products from Shell Lubricants in their training, Shell also contributes to UTI's mission in the following ways.

Education Development

Through an Instructor Advisory Council, UTI instructors contribute ideas to Shell Pennzoil for training on the latest Shell Lubricants. Instructors participate in online training modules created by Shell that provide the most up-to-date lubricant training. Shell representatives are also available for face-to-face instruction with teachers to ensure the very best in training.

Currently, Shell Pennzoil s developing fuel technology training for UTI instructors, which means UTI instructors will gain access to the very best knowledge about fuels as well as lubricant products and to learn how they affect engines and vehicle performance. 

Scholarships and Emergency Funding

Every year, Shell Pennzoil provides scholarships to incoming and current students to attend UTI. Additionally, Shell Pennzoil provides financial assistance through pre-paid VISA cards and gas cards, for students who are in good standing with UTI and experience a financial emergency.¹⁰

Marketing and Industry Awareness

Shell plays an integral role with FutureTech Success, a campaign created by TechForce Foundation that is dedicated to increasing awareness of the value of the professional technician industry to combat the technician shortage. By contributing to FutureTech Success with the creation of engaging video public service announcements about the industry, Shell Pennzoil helps UTI's recruiting efforts.

Shell Pennzoil also has plans to interview UTI graduates for future videos, so that more high school students, veterans and others looking for fulfilling careers can see the value in the technician profession.

An Enduring Mission for Automotive and Diesel Industries

With all the initiatives Shell Pennzoil and UTI work on, the perception of automotive and diesel technicians is positively evolving. An improved outlook encourages more support to sustain the workforce. Bruner says because UTI's and Shell Pennzoil's values align, the partnership makes perfect sense.

“We feel like we're family, and we're very embedded in the mission of Universal Technical Institute,” Bruner says. “There's no other organization or trade entity that comes close to what Universal Technical Institute provides in both the breadth and depth of training. We're passionate about the future of automotive and diesel technology and providing opportunities for young people and vets transitioning back to civilian life.”

In core programs and advanced training, UTI brings cutting-edge technology to the future workforce. UTI's ever-evolving tools and curriculum complement the similarly evolving developments of Shell Lubricants.

“Cars and trucks are becoming more and more complicated,” Bruner says. “You have to be part chemist, part electrician and part engineer to work on a vehicle today. By focusing on helping students and instructors, ultimately, Shell's customers benefit. When we can't fill the jobs that are out there, the country literally stops moving.”

Bruner adds for people who have an interest in automotive and diesel technology, she encourages them to follow their hearts, research tech schools and pursue the disciplines they're interested in.

“If this is something you like to do, and you have a passion for vehicles and working on vehicles, whether they're trucks or boats or motorcycles, follow that,” Bruner says. “There's help and there's funding for that. The wonderful thing is that there are actually jobs out there after you finish. There's an abundance of opportunities.”⁶