Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

UTI Graduate Terry Maurer Explains the Benefits of a Comprehensive Education

"Hands-down, UTI is untouchable in terms of how many dealerships back the school up. No other tech school I've seen has that many dealerships attached to it. "

When Terry Maurer was transitioning out of the military and thinking about what to do next, he knew he wanted to go to a technical school. Some colleges require students to take classes they'll never use in their careers. Terry knew he wanted to focus on the classes he would need to learn that would help him in his job.

With the GI Bill® in hand, Terry enrolled at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).1,21 Terry spent more than 2 years at UTI, soaking up as much technician information as possible, taking several types of core courses and manufacturer-specific advanced training (MSAT) programs.

“Serving in the military, one of the extra bonuses they have is paying for school when you get out,” says Terry. “I took full advantage of that and decided to continue my career path of being a mechanic, like I was in the military.”

Terry took a diverse array of programs, studying automotivediesel and industrial technician courses, as well as the specialized  Cummins Engines Program.

Terry graduated UTI in 2016. Today, he works at Crown Lift Trucks in New Jersey as a field service technician.6 He travels to customers and fixes equipment, with each day presenting him with something new in the field.

“Having a work van is the biggest bonus,” Terry says, “and having the freedom to drive it around to each customer, instead of having each customer come to you.”

Taking Full Advantage of Learning Opportunities

Students can complete UTI's core automotive and diesel programs in less than a year each. But Terry says taking the MSAT he did was a game-changer from being in the normal classes, because they rapidly advanced his knowledge with specific brands.

“You get a lot more one-on-one time with the instructors, and you can really pick their brains,” Terry says. “There are really knowledgeable instructors over there.”

Being in the labs, Terry says he enjoyed the hot rod portion, building an engine up, throwing it into a T-bucket and putting it on a dyno. In his classes, Terry met good friends he is still in contact with today, including fellow military veterans who went to UTI. He still checks in with former classmates about what they're doing in their lives and career fields.

Before attending UTI, Terry checked out several technician schools. He says going to UTI was an easy decision.

“Hands-down, UTI is untouchable in terms of how many dealerships back [the school] up,” Terry says. “No other tech school I've seen has that many dealerships attached to it.”

Military Transition to Full-Time Technician

Indeed, getting a job after graduation was a smooth process for Terry. Terry's career journey at Crown began when he met Crown representatives at a UTI job fair. One of his friends had landed a job there, which piqued his interest.

Terry says part of what helped him make a successful transition from student to professional was going to UTI and the courses he took.1 Terry says the hands-on training UTI students get, with professional facilities and training equipment, is something that stands out compared to other schools.18

If you do go to UTI, look into specialized courses with the brands you're interested in, which can help you grow your career, Terry says.

“Take those electives, because those will go ahead and set you years ahead of other techs who are not taking those special courses,” Terry says. “That gives you more marketable traits and skills to get your foot in the door.”

To request information from UTI, head 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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