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GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

UTI Graduate David Hopf Finds a Clear Career Path in Diesel

"My favorite part about going to school was all the hands-on experience, I was never one for just sitting there getting a textbook thrown at me."

David Hopf always wanted to work for Foley Caterpillar in Piscataway, New Jersey. That's his local Caterpillar dealer, a brand manufacturing diesel equipment for industries including construction, mining, natural gas, industrial gas and more.

David's father is a mechanic, so David worked with him since he was a little kid, helping his dad fix cars for his business.

After high school, David went to community college for a year. He says it wasn't for him, so he started working full-time for his dad as a welder. One day, he decided he wanted to work on “big stuff.”

He reached out to Foley Caterpillar and asked them where they liked hiring from. The dealership told him Universal Technical Institute (UTI), where he could attend the Diesel Technology program and learn about what he'd need to succeed in servicing powerful diesel trucks and engines.1

So that's exactly what he did!

After graduating from UTI's diesel program, David landed his dream job at Foley Caterpillar as a field service technician.6

“I like that the scenery of where I work changes every day,” says David. “I like getting to travel all around and help people out. I just like fixing things and taking stuff apart and making it better than it was when I got there.”

David says every job site he goes to is different. The industry is constantly changing, like new developments in engines and after-treatment systems. The opportunity to constantly learn at work is exciting, too.

From Not Sure Where to Start to Inspiring Other Students

At UTI, David relished the opportunity to work on the same equipment he'd find out in the professional world, like at Foley Caterpillar.

“My favorite part about going to school was all the hands-on experience,” David says. “I was never one for just sitting there getting a textbook thrown at me.”

David says the insights from the instructors prepared him for what he does in his current role. Learning from those who had been there before really helped David.

“They've all been in this industry and have what it takes to have a long career doing this, so all their knowledge and experience prepared me most,” David says. “I liked all my instructors.”

David gave a commencement speech at his UTI graduation after his instructors asked him to. He says that was probably his favorite moment of school. It made him feel like he made the right decision going there and putting in all the hard work he did.

Advice for Those Considering UTI

David tells high school students who are thinking about becoming technicians, “This industry is constantly in need of technicians. It's a very smart move to make. It's a safe move to make. As long as you work hard, you'll do very well.”

David adds that considering options beyond a traditional four-year school can pay off for many students who are unsure of what to do next.

“I have parents of friends I have whose kids did get a four-year degree even tell me, 'Honestly, Dave, you're a lot better off,'” David says. “And I agree.”

UTI's diesel technician program is 45 weeks from start to finish. You could complete the program in less than a year at one of our many campuses offering it across the country.7

UTI also offers diesel manufacturer-specific advanced training programs for brands including CumminsDaimler and Peterbilt.15

Request information for UTI's Diesel Technology program. 


A NEW CAREER PATH STARTS HERE

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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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