Next Start

June 23

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Accelerated Program for the Car Enthusiast: Talking Ford with Barry Nelson

Barry Nelson’s journey in the automotive industry is as dynamic as the cars he’s worked on. From starting at the bottom to becoming a lead technician and service manager, Barry has experienced every aspect of dealership life.

Today, he channels his love for mentoring and training the next generation of aspiring automotive professionals as one of UTI's instructors, leading the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program. If you're looking to pursue a fast-paced, hands-on career in the automotive industry, Barry and the Ford FACT program can help you get there.1

From the Shop Floor to the Classroom

"Throughout my career, I've held just about every position at the dealerships, from pushing the broom to changing oil to being the lead tech, and also the service manager." His vast experience in the field gives him a unique perspective that he now brings into the classroom.

Barry's passion for teaching emerged over a decade ago. "Being in the industry, I was mentoring and training the new technicians, and I decided that I got the most enjoyment out of that part of the business," he shares. This joy for teaching is evident in his commitment to helping students succeed in the Ford FACT program.

The Fast Track of the Ford FACT Program

Ford FACT, which stands for Ford Accelerated Credential Training, is a program designed to advance students’ skills and knowledge prior to applying for a role in the automotive industry. "When the students leave here, they leave here with 70% of the credentials needed to be a master tech," Barry explains.

What takes years in the field—typically five to 10 years—can be achieved in just 15 weeks through this intensive program. "It is very fast," Barry emphasizes, highlighting the program's efficiency in preparing students for the real world.8

Hands-On Learning with Real-World Applications

One of the key features of the Ford FACT program is its focus on real-world problems. "The problems and issues that we have pre-made into these cars, transition into the real world," Barry says. Ford Motor Company identifies trends and warranty issues and builds the curriculum around these real-world challenges.

"The students learn the correct way to diagnose the car so they get it right the first time," Barry adds, ensuring that graduates are well-trained and prepared to be effective on day one in an entry-level role.1

Barry thrives on seeing his students succeed. "I like the ‘aha’ moments when you're explaining something, and maybe they've done it over and over again, and all of a sudden just through one of our labs, they finally get it," he shares.

Keeping Pace with Industry Innovation

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, staying up-to-date with the latest technology is crucial. "UTI is keeping up with Ford and industry standards. We're evolving constantly," Barry says.

The Ford FACT program is regularly updated to include the latest innovations, and students can even return to retake courses as new curriculum is added.39

Join the Ford FACT Program at UTI

The Ford FACT program is available across the country, offering students from coast to coast the opportunity to accelerate their career pursuits in the automotive industry.

If you're ready to take your love for cars to the next level, take a closer look at the Ford FACT program and our core Automotive program at UTI. Reach out to us to learn more today!


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.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.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.39) Refresher training available to graduates only if the course is still available and space is available. Students are responsible for any other costs such as lab fees associated with the course.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.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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