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June 23

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Automotive Instructor David Watkins Teaches UTI Students How to Succeed

"They need to want to be here to learn, show determination, and be on time. They need to stay focused, stay motivated and ask plenty of questions."

Growing up, David Watkins came from a family of three brothers. But his father, a builder, never pressured him or his siblings to follow in his footsteps. In fact, his dad recognized David’s mechanical inclinations towards nuts and bolts rather than nails and boards. Instead of pressuring him to become a builder he encouraged David to tinker with lawn mowers and other small engines. As he got older and more experienced, he was soon working on the larger engines of cars.

“I had no interest in the family business and he showed me I had some mechanical talents and that’s where it all started.”

Today, as an auto instructor, he teaches the “Engines” class, which is one of the first classes that students experience. He understands where these students are coming from, and in the same way that his father encouraged him, he gives this same support to his class at UTI.1

“Everybody starts somewhere. Nobody is born with a wrench in their hands. Once you start that dialog new students open up and become more comfortable in asking questions.”

Every student comes into the program with their own level of experience. Some have been turning a wrench for years. Others may be starting at ground zero. David is there to guide and encourage learning in his students no matter what their background is.

“One student told me, ‘I think I made a mistake by coming here.’ I was like – what’s going on? He said that he didn’t know anything, and I told him, that’s okay. I didn’t know anything when I got started.”

From his modest beginnings to his 30 years of work at Chrysler, David has an expert level of skills and knowledge. Some people with this level of experience may take on an air of superiority. But instead, David is humble and generous in sharing what he knows. He wants to give his knowledge so that all students can have the chance to succeed no matter what level they’re starting out at.

“Some people have a bit more talent and some people need a bit more encouragement. As an instructor you have to teach several different ways. Sometimes a different approach is the best way for a particular student.”

David believes that encouragement is as valuable as theory. Once students realize that someone is there to support and help them they tend to become more relaxed. Some may feel a block in learning because of the initial amount of information. But David thinks that once they get past this they become more open to the coursework and less intimidated.

“All of a sudden you see the light bulbs go off and they’re understanding how what they’re looking at works. It’s nice to see that. It’s satisfying for the student and also really satisfying as an instructor to see that discovery.”

Many students feel overwhelmed about the amount of information they need to know. David helps teach the foundation of the things they’ll experience in the field. And like building muscle memory, his goal is to give them the ability to react to situations automatically.

“Students may start out thinking that there’s too much to learn – that there isn’t any way they could know all of this. And sometimes you don’t remember everything, but when you get into the field it all comes back to you.”

David is dedicated to the success of his students and he also feels that students should have this same commitment to their education.

“They need to want to be here to learn, show determination, and be on time. They need to stay focused, stay motivated and ask plenty of questions.”

David has come a long way since his humble beginnings messing around with the family’s lawnmower. But with 30 years in the industry he has never lost the connection to how he felt at the beginning of his career journey. He understands where he came from, and that helps him better teach and build up the next generation of mechanics.


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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.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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