Search

Student-Paid vs. Manufacturer-Paid Specialized Training Programs

A new career path starts here

It only takes a few minutes to learn about technician training opportunities.

By submitting this form, I agree that Universal Technical Institute, Inc., Custom Training Group, Inc., and their representatives may email, call, and/or text me with marketing messages about educational programs and services, as well as for school-related communications, at any phone number I provide, including a wireless number, using prerecorded calls or automated technology. I understand that my consent is not required to apply, enroll or make any purchase.

Scroll to next section

Student-Paid vs. Manufacturer-Paid Specialized Training Programs

Scroll to next section

Do you dream of working on a brand like Peterbilt, Ford or BMW?

At Universal Technical Institute, you can gain specialized skills and certifications needed to work for leading manufacturers and dealerships.1 Our Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs are designed to take your training to the next level as you prepare for an exciting career as an automotive or diesel technician.

Specialized Training at UTI

UTI’s technician training core programs teach students foundational skills needed to prepare for careers in the industry. Your training, however, doesn’t have to end there. After completing a UTI automotive, diesel or automotive/diesel program, you can apply for specialized training created in conjunction with leading manufacturers.2

MSAT programs at UTI can benefit graduates and employers. In addition to learning specialized skills in focused and accelerated training students have the opportunity to earn valuable credentials to help elevate their status after graduation. In turn, the dealers who hire MSAT graduates save training dollars and are able to hire technicians who can start generating revenue right away. It’s a win-win for both employers and graduates!

What MSATs Does UTI Offer?

UTI has a number of relationships with original equipment manufacturers. Students can choose from a variety of specialized training programs in the automotive, diesel and motorcycle industries. In addition, manufacturer-specific training is incorporated into the Marine program. 

In general, UTI offers two types of MSAT programs: student paid and manufacturer paid.3

Student Paid vs. Dealer Paid MSATs: What’s the Difference?

Student Paid Programs:

  • The program’s tuition is paid by the student
  • Open to all UTI students to apply
  • Provides flexibility since students have the freedom to choose exactly how they want to use their education
  • Students can go on to complete additional MSAT programs if they wish

Manufacturer Paid Programs:

  • The program’s tuition is paid by the manufacturer
  • To apply, students must meet specific GPA and attendance requirements before interviewing with an advanced training manager
  • Could lead to a job with the manufacturer upon successful completion of the program
  • Students commit to working for a dealer after graduation, typically 1-2 years

Read more about it in our blog post.

5 Reasons to Consider Specialized Training at UTI

  1. Employers take notice: Show employers that you’re applying yourself and seeking better career opportunities.
  2. Gain specialized skills: Learn niche brand information and gain certifications that might take years to acquire otherwise.
  3. Connect with leading brands: Get your foot in the door to explore potential career opportunities with leading brands.
  4. Choose from a variety of programs: Benefit from UTI’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading providers of transportation technician education.
  5. Career advancement: Can help set up your career path and gain the ability to advance in the workplace sooner.

Training You Need to Help You Succeed

Get hands-on experience with state-of-the-industry tools and technology as you work on a fleet of vehicles from leading brands.

Learn More
Getting Started
Becoming a Student
About Us
Resources
Contact

1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

2) For important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended this program, visit our website at www.uti.edu/disclosures.

3) Approximately 8,600 of the 9,200 UTI graduates in 2016 were available for employment. At the time of reporting, approximately 7,400 were employed within one year of their graduation date, for a total of 86%. This rate excludes graduates not available for employment because of continuing education, military service, health, incarceration, death or international student status. The rate includes graduates who completed manufacturer-specific advanced training programs and those employed in positions that were obtained before or during their UTI education, where the primary job duties after graduation align with the educational and training objectives of the program. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

4) UTI’s Automotive Technology program is 51-weeks. Core program length varies by subject. For example, Diesel & Industrial Technology is 45-weeks and Automotive/Diesel Technology is 75- weeks.

5) UTI programs prepare graduates for careers in industries using the provided training, primarily as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a technician, such as: parts associate, service writer, fabricator, paint and paint prep, and shop owner/operator. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

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 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 and scholarships 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.

12) Based on data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2016-2026), www.bls.gov, viewed October 24, 2017. The projected number of annual job openings, by job classification is: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 75,900; Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, 28,300; Automotive Body and Related Repairers, 17,200. Job openings include openings due to growth and net replacements.

13) Based on data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2016-2026), www.bls.gov, viewed October 24, 2017.

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 cannot guarantee employment or salary.

15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI’s Custom Training Group on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation.

16) Not all programs are NATEF accredited.

17) Program start dates vary by campus.

18) Based on comparison with graduates from core programs between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2015. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

19) Students who are near graduation, have no outstanding obligations to the school, and who have not previously taken part in a tool voucher program on any UTI/MMI/NASCAR Tech affiliated campus may be eligible to participate in the UTI Tool Voucher Program.

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.

22) Discount does not apply at Exton, PA campus. The Avondale Campus has a Yellow Ribbon Program that a Veteran student can choose to use rather than applying the 10% discount.

23) Prior to starting or re-enrolling, Tennessee residents attending the Orlando or Houston campus must provide official high school transcripts, GED scores or state-authorized equivalent exam scores. In addition, all students attending the NASCAR Tech campus must provide official high school transcripts, GED scores or state-authorized equivalent exam scores prior to starting or re- enrolling.

24) Graduates of NASCAR Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology program and Automotive Technology with NASCAR (the NASCAR Technology program) are qualified to work as entry-level service technicians in automotive repair facilities or automotive dealer service departments. Graduates from the NASCAR program have additional opportunities to work in racing-related industries. Of the students who elected to take the NASCAR-specific elective courses and graduated during 2015, approximately 15% found employment opportunities in racing-related industries. The overall employment rate for NASCAR Technical Institute was 89% for 2015.

25) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Automotive Body and Related Repairers. UTI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,820 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of May 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled collision technicians is $22.56. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $17.18. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

26) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. UTI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,820 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of November 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled welders is $18.49. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $15.48. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

27) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 48-week Motorcycle Technician training program.

28) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. UTI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $29,120 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of May 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled automotive technicians is $18.13. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $13.05. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

29) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. UTI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $38,930 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of May 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled diesel technicians is $20.04. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $16.47. UTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

30) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Motorcycle Mechanics. MMI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $28,290 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of May 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled motorcycle technicians is $16.26. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $13.31. UTI/MMI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

31) Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians. MMI graduates are prepared for entry-level positions using the provided training. Median and 90th percentile figures are provided for illustrative purposes only to show a possible career progression. Results may vary. The average entry level salary in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $31,870 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Website as of May 2017). The most recent U.S. Department of Labor estimate, published May 2016, for the hourly earnings in North Carolina of the middle 50% of skilled marine technicians is $16.42. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data, however the 25th percentile is $12.97. UTI/MMI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

32) Summer Ignite participants must satisfy standard eligibility criteria prior to acceptance into UTI.