UTI Teams Up with NASCAR to Develop Educational Partnership
27 May 1999
UTI Teams Up with NASCAR to Develop Educational Partnership
NASCAR Technical Institute to Provide Automotive Technician Training
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 26 -- Universal Technical Institute
(UTI) and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
announced today an educational partnership to provide training for automotive
technicians that will serve as an extension to the sanctioning body's
Officially Licensed by NASCAR automotive aftermarket program.
UTI and NASCAR will develop the NASCAR Technical Institute to address the
growing need for technicians in the automotive industry.
The first NASCAR Technical Institute will open spring 2001 in Charlotte,
N.C. The school will accommodate up to 1,800 automotive and collision repair
students. The long-term agreement calls for multiple schools around the
country.
Coursework at the NASCAR Technical Institute will focus on teaching the
core skills necessary to excel as an automotive technician. In addition,
students will learn about engines, electrical systems, drive trains and
chassis construction/modification in a NASCAR-oriented environment.
"We did our homework and found UTI is the industry leader for high quality
technician training," said George Pyne, vice president of marketing for
NASCAR. "Our partnership provides students with a solid technical education
for a career in the automotive industry. This will also create a pool from
which teams can draw entry-level NASCAR technicians."
In order to attract and retain top students, NASCAR will assist UTI in
developing relationships with individual racing teams for co-op education and
internship programs.
"UTI is the educational partner of choice for students, employers and the
automotive industry," says John C. White, chairman of UTI, Inc. "Our
partnership with NASCAR is a natural extension of working with leading
companies in the automotive industry."
A special six-week elective will also be offered at additional UTI
campuses. The first class will be offered in spring 2000 at the UTI campus in
Houston, Tex.
"In the aftermarket, the heroes of automotive technicians are the NASCAR
team members," says Steve Boguski, director of automotive aftermarket for
NASCAR. "We look to help build the image and visibility of automotive
technicians through this link with UTI."
NASCAR launched its automotive aftermarket initiative in 1996 to provide
opportunities for the sport's drivers, teams and tracks to work with an
expanded base of corporate partners.
A fully integrated media program, entitled "NASCAR Garage," supports the
automotive aftermarket program. The initiative includes a weekly television
show, a national radio show, a quarterly magazine, Professional NASCAR Garage,
and a dedicated NASCAR Garage section on NASCAR Online
(http://www.NASCAR.com).
Founded in 1965 in Phoenix, Ariz., UTI is recognized as one of the top
technical education institutions in the United States. UTI offers accelerated
career-specific training in automotive, diesel, heating/ventilation/air
conditioning/refrigeration, marine, motorcycle and personal watercraft. The
company has graduated more than 40,000 students and has campuses in Phoenix,
Ariz.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Glendale Heights, Ill. and
Houston, Tex.
Each UTI campus is individually licensed in its home state. The schools
are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education.
UTI is an employment source for numerous corporate clients such as
American Honda, BMW of North America, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Jaguar Cars,
Mercedes-Benz USA and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Additional information about UTI can be found at http//www.uticorp.com.