Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Victor Claudio's Dream Career as a Lead Tech With the Ocean Always in Sight

"If you don’t like what you’re doing you’re not going to be successful."

*As part of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) began operating under the UTI brand in February 2025.

Wherever Victor Claudio has been in his life, the ocean has never been far away. He grew up near its sandy shores. As an adult he was a diesel mechanic in the Coast Guard. And today he is lead tech for Mercury Marine at Disney World. He loves working outside and being out in the salty fresh air of the ocean.

When Victor got out of the Coast Guard he enrolled in the Marine Technician Specialist program to get a formal education in how to work on watercraft. He knew that he wanted to continue in a similar direction as what he was doing in the Coast Guard.

“I wanted to stay on that track. I was a mechanic and enjoyed working outside, troubleshooting engines, and figuring out how to fix them. That made me happy.”

Victor credits UTI in helping him develop the skills needed for his job today.1 He also feels that one needs to care about what you do, that whatever your occupation – you should be excited about it. No matter what skills or training, if you don’t have a passion for what you do, it can be difficult to go far.

“You need to like what you’re doing. If you don’t like what you’re doing you’re not going to be successful. I liked what I was doing in the Coast Guard and I wanted to keep it going.”

Victor appreciated the flexibility of classes, which let him work and go to school at the same time. He enjoyed the course work and hands on experience. He learned new skills that he would need and tried to get as much as he could out of being a student.

“Take advantage of the time and grasp everything that the instructor is teaching you, take notes and study every day. Ask as many questions as you want and pick the brain of the instructor no matter your level of experience.”

After graduating from a program like the marine mechanic program at UTI, Victor thinks that getting an entry level job that lets you do a variety of work will help you out in the future. As a lead tech, he knows that his job requires a variety of skills, both technical and personal.

“There’s a lot of competition and it helps to be well rounded like being able to do rigging, troubleshooting, as well as being able to explain to customers what needs to be done.”

As a lead tech at Mercury Marine at Disney World, Victor gets to do what he loves by working on boat engines and being there to help troubleshoot problems. By following his heart in what he loves to do, and keeping himself near his other true love, the ocean, Victor never strayed from the career path that would put him exactly where he wants to be.




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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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