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Disney’s Fleet in Orlando, Florida, is No Small World: David Hart

"Be willing to learn. Be willing to be coached. Dedicate yourself to learning and listening rather than trying to prove yourself."

*As part of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) began operating under the UTI brand in February 2025.

Right out of high school, David Hart started working as a test driver for Mercury Marine. He got sunburned. He got rained on. But he tested the engines just like they were used every day by customers. “It was a dream job for somebody just out of high school,” he says.

As a teenager, David didn’t quite know what he wanted to do for a career. He knew he loved the water. He’d grown up around it — boating and sailing and fishing — so he was sold on a career that would have something to do with water. He explored his options. Maybe he’d do marine patrol or oceanography. Maybe he’d work as crew or captain on a ship.

Today, David is 36 years into his career at Mercury Marine in Orlando, Florida, where he helps service the extensive fleet of watercraft on the Disney World properties. He saw a career path within the company and decided to stay put. Now, he works as a hiring manager. He says it’s still a dream job.

Mercury Marine started in Wisconsin more than 75 years ago where it still has its headquarters. It’s now grown into the largest builder of marine propulsion systems in the world.

Mercury Marine pushes continuing education for its employees. Since technology is always changing, it’s important that their technicians keep up with it. “We have online courses that a student can do at home or here. We also have the courses where technicians will go back and get specific training on specific parts or types of engines,” David says.

He loves to hire grads from Universal Technical Institute's Marine Technician Specialist program simply because of the quality of applicants.1 The courses students take are very relevant to the jobs at Mercury. “We do a lot of maintenance and routine services on a regular basis,” David notes. Since engines accumulate quite a bit of miles quickly, there’s a lot to routinely check on so that these boats are dependable for guests who visit the park. David likes that UTI grads come out of school with a good foundation of knowledge. Knowledge and technical skills are important but work ethic, David says, is critical to being successful.

David also notes how important it is to grow in a position. “Don’t come in and be like ‘I’ve got this. I know it.’” He suggests that new hires should be willing to have technicians who have been around longer teach them a thing or two. Be willing to learn. Be willing to be coached. Dedicate yourself to learning and listening rather than trying to prove yourself, he says.

He also emphasizes: Take advantage of all the training available. David’s career has taken him from test driving boats to hiring the test drivers. He’s done it by paying attention and constantly learning new things.


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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.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.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.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.63) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm. BLS projects total employment will increase from 11,400 in 2023 to 18,200 in 2033. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

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