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GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

UTI Grad Ryan White Finds a Career as a Technician

"Come into the program with an open mind and work hard. You have to be dedicated, put in your time and pay attention. If you do, you’re going to end up in a good place in the end."

Getting out of the military and finding your way into civilian life can have its twists and turns. For Ryan White, he found himself working for a moving company right after his time in the service ended. He knew that it was just going to be a temporary job. He didn’t mind the hard work and it was the chance to make some money. But he was searching for the career he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

He thought that career would be in nursing. Two years into a nursing program Ryan knew it wasn’t for him. He thought about what he wanted and knew he needed to move his career toward something in the automotive industry.

“My dad was a mechanic. I always had an interest in cars and I decided that it needed to take this to the next level.”

Ryan looked at a few programs before choosing UTI.1 He evaluated what they had to offer and found that UTI would be the best fit for what he wanted to be – an automotive tech. What stood out for him is how the coursework is structured.

“You’re not bouncing around, you’re dedicated to one subject, three weeks at a time. You don’t have to worry about anything else other than what you’re focused on.”

He visited the UTI campus and was impressed with the size, number of students, the cleanliness and all the tools and resources available to students. And he was happy that his GI Bill® would assist him financially in completing his education.21

The transition into UTI was a quick one. Within two months he left his job, which was just a short-term gig, and started his education in what he wanted to do in the long-term. He took the lessons that he learned in the military and applied them to his studies at UTI.

“Come into the program with an open mind and work hard. You have to be dedicated, put in your time and pay attention. If you do, you’re going to end up in a good place in the end.”

Ryan now works as a technician at Fred Beans Ford, a dealership where he’s happy to follow his passion for automotive repair. But it wasn’t his first job out of UTI. A call from a service manager who had gotten his information through UTI’s Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program opened the door to this new and better job.6 He had an interview, it went well and now he’s in a role that he loves.

Ryan’s followed what he discovered was his true calling – and that was being an automotive tech. His career path veered in different directions, but he’s one who has always been open to new opportunities. For those still attending UTI or are recent graduates, he suggests they stay focused and explore all of the career options that may come their way.

“Get your name out there – when there are career fairs, go. Be there, talk to everyone you’re interested in. Don’t sell yourself short and take every opportunity that comes your way.”

Ryan used the focus and discipline he learned in the military and applied those skills to succeed at UTI. And UTI gave Ryan the education that helped develop his skills and point him in the direction to the life he has today as an auto tech.


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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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