Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Finding Stability: The Inspiring Journey of Ramiro Manrriquez

"My advice would be, ‘Go for it.’ Hands down, it’s one of the main things that everybody needs is cooling and heating."

"Every day is different. Here as a technician, everything is different," says Ramiro Manrriquez, a graduate of Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and now a technician at Daikin.1

After becoming unemployed from his old career, Ramiro had some tough decisions to make. He had a daughter at home and knew this time he wanted a career that would allow him to provide for her. Then it dawned on him: What’s the one thing every home, every building has? An air conditioning (AC) unit.

“Think about it, when you grab a soda at the store from the fridge, was it hot or was it cold?” Ramiro explains.

With heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC, sometimes referred to as HVACR to include refrigeration) systems being so prominent—especially in Ramiro’s hometown of Houston, TX—that meant the possibility of stability, something he greatly valued for his next career. So, he rolled up his sleeves, took a tour of UTI and enrolled that day in our HVACR Technician program.

Training in UTI’s HVACR Program

"I loved it. The instructors were directly right there with you," says Ramiro.

As someone who has always worked with his hands, Ramiro’s favorite part of the program was the hands-on approach, particularly with troubleshooting.

"More than anything was the hands-on... it was really fun. They’re really good people," says Ramiro.

He recalls the positive environment fostered by the faculty and staff. "Everyone was smiling, so it made me feel like 'OK, you know what? If they’re going to be in a good mood, I can be in a good mood.'”

Becoming an HVAC Technician at Daikin

Finding work while attending school and raising a daughter was far from easy, but Ramiro found support in Daikin.

"I applied here at Daikin and they took me in....while I was still attending school,” Ramiro explains. “Right after I graduated, they hired me on as a tech. They actually worked with me, they worked with my schedule, they worked with everything."

The Value of HVAC Training

"The education that they taught us was really informative," Ramiro comments.

One thing he appreciated from the instructors was how they took their time to explain every unit and component. When we asked him if he’d recommend UTI to those thinking of training in HVAC, his answer was simple: “I already have.”

Advice for Aspiring Technicians

"My advice would be, ‘Go for it,’" Ramiro urges. "One of the main things that everybody needs is cooling and heating.”

Ramiro aims to continue learning and eventually start his own business in HVAC. His journey to an HVAC technician has been challenging but rewarding to him, proving that with determination and the right training, anyone can strive to achieve their career goals.


A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

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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