UTI Expands Technician Training Programs

Universal Technical Institute has recently expanded its manufacturer-specific advanced training diesel programs to help meet the trucking industry’s demand for highly trained technicians.

The Peterbilt Technician Institute, a comprehensive technician training program offered by UTI and truck maker Peterbilt Motors Co., has expanded to a second UTI campus in Lisle, Illinois, after graduating its first class of students earlier this year.

Peterbilt and UTI created the program last year at UTI’s Dallas campus.

“Due to the success of our inaugural Peterbilt Technician Institute, we’re very pleased to grow the program in the key Chicago market and we plan to continue expansion to other locations nationwide,” Robert Woodall, Peterbilt director of sales and marketing, said in the Aug. 19 announcement.

The 12-week program includes hands-on instruction of total vehicle diagnostics, maintenance and repairs with a focus on Peterbilt trucks and Paccar engines.

Peterbilt dealerships sponsor the PTI students and offer graduates employment upon completion of the program. 

A few weeks earlier, Daimler Trucks North America also expanded its Finish First training program to the UTI campus in Lisle. The program has been available at UTI’s Avondale, Arizona, campus since 2008.

Technicians graduate from the 12-week Finish First program with full Freightliner and Western Star certifications.

“Students who attend this program can earn valuable certifications that might have otherwise taken years to achieve, making them top choice technicians for the DTNA dealer network,” said Kim McWaters, chairman and CEO at UTI.