Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

From automotive training to a career at Lexus: Terrence Strazdon's Story

"Going with a trade is a sure bet. Whatever the trade, even if you’re a carpenter or a plumber, there’s always a need for what you do. Almost everybody owns a car and is always going to need a skilled and knowledgeable tech to keep things running."

A four-year university education is not for everyone. There is more than just one path to reach career success. The world needs students pursuing skilled trades just as it needs students pursuing business majors. Our economy depends on the skill of tradespeople to keep it moving along. A livelihood should be chosen based on doing what one enjoys and excels at, not on what everyone else is doing simply because, it’s more common.

For Terrence Strazdon, he knew right after graduation that his career path wasn’t going to wind through the halls of academia but rather go straight to the trades. He didn’t want to waste any time where he didn’t want to be. He wanted the express route to his future.

His interest in automobiles started at an early age. While growing up his dad always had a few project cars around. Terrence would watch his dad work and even got to jump in to tighten a bolt or turn a screwdriver on occasion. He kept these moments close to him and found his career inspiration in the time under the hood with his father.

"Going to a trade school just made sense for what I wanted to do in life."

And after graduation, with the full support from both of his parents, happy to see their son pursuing what excited him, Terrence enrolled at Universal Technical Institute.1

“Whatever the trade, even if you’re a carpenter or a plumber, there’s always a need for what you do. Almost everybody owns a car and is always going to need a skilled and knowledgeable tech to keep things running.”

At UTI Terrence studied automotive and diesel technology.

“It’s been a worthwhile investment, I had little confidence when I first started out, just because I didn’t have the experience. Now knowing what I do and having confidence in my abilities, it was money well spent.”

After graduating from UTI, Terrence had a few opportunities come his way. Luckily, he landed his first job just a mere 25 miles from his home.

“I got a couple calls from different dealerships after graduating. And UTI’s Career Services helped me by giving me information about dealers in my area and what they were doing. Lexus of Edison really stood out so I gave them a call.”

This phone call led him to where he is now today -- in the role of service technician at Lexus of Edison.6 UTI helped him develop the skills he needed for this job. He knows the issues and intricacies of these vehicles. He has the confidence in his abilities to get the job done right. This confidence, he feels, is what the hiring manager saw in him and he thinks that this may have given him an advantage over the other people who applied for the same position.

Neither Terrence, nor his parents, second-guessed what opportunities he should pursue. He wanted to get into the automotive industry, and he became a technician doing what he loves. What moves and inspires you? Your career path may be right there in front of you. And it’s up to you to take the first step forward.


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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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