Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Chris Jones is A Real-life Service Technician in the Magic Kingdom

"We’re in a time when trades are needed more than ever."

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

“I grew up about 45 minutes east of Lake Okeechobee,” Chris says, “You know, growing up in South Florida, Disney World is a part of your life, so when you finally figure out what you want to do with your career and what your goals for yourself are, it was a no-brainer to strive to work a part with Disney World.”

Chris Jones is a service technician for Mercury Marine, which is contracted with Disney World to service its fleet of boats. Chris works on the Disney World property fixing everything from pontoons to rentals to the boats used in the almost daily fireworks shows.

Before Mercury, Chris worked construction with his dad, doing projects together, many of which included mechanical work. “Anything that had a motor, we were working on” he says. When his dad retired, Chris decided to explore more formal mechanical training. He concluded that no other school could match the credentials of the Marine Technician Specialist program at Universal Technical Institute.1

Once Chris finished his research, visited and spoke with some instructors, he knew it was the right choice for him. He encourages students to consider what trade schools really offer, “It’s not just the technician side. There’s a lot more to the industry than just that,” he says. Whether parts, servicing writing, service management or sales — all of these avenues, in addition to the technical — they can all be pursued with UTI’s curriculum. He says his instructors were really great about asking questions to guide his direction and made sure he was realistic about his opportunities. “You don’t just walk into a dealership and say ‘I’m a technician, throw me on this Yamaha or Mercury.’ That doesn’t happen. You earn it. You work as a yard guy for a while until they figure out you can spin a wrench.” And that’s exactly what Chris did.

As he settled into his role with Mercury, Chris came to recognize the lack of great technicians in the marine industry. “We’re in a time when trades are needed more than ever,” he says, reflecting on the recent push for kids to go to college rather than trade school. With the high cost and time commitment of pursuing a four-year degree, trade school is an appealing option for some, plus technology is advancing so rapidly and there is a need for technicians to service that technology. ”You can go anywhere with a good work ethic, drive and some mechanical knowledge,” Chris notes.


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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.14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.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.18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.20) VA benefits may not be available at all campus locations.21) GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.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.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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