BLOOMFIELD, N.J. — Universal Technical Institute (UTI) cut the ribbon at its 108,000-sq.-ft. campus in Bloomfield Aug. 21, the company's 13th campus nationwide and first in the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania tri-state area.
UTI provides technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians and offers welding technology and computer numerical control machining programs.
Among those attending the ceremony were major New Jersey transportation employers, many of whom offer tuition reimbursement programs and hiring incentives to UTI graduates, UTI said.
UTI partners with 30 transportation brands — including BMW, Cummins, Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes-Benz, NASCAR, Peterbilt, Porsche and Volvo — that help guide UTI's training programs, invest in its facilities and give UTI students the chance to train on current vehicles, technology and tools.
Tri-state transportation employers have been struggling with labor shortages as their service departments continue to grow and more skilled technicians reach retirement age, without enough new, well-trained employees to replace them, according to UTI.
The campus represents an investment of over $11 million by UTI in the region. It has the capacity to train up to 800 students each year in automotive and diesel technology.
Students can be ready to work in as little as 11 months in the 45-week diesel program and graduate the core automotive program in just 51 weeks, UTI said.
"Our employer and industry partners are telling us that they can't find enough skilled technicians to meet their demand, especially in a transportation hub like the New York metropolitan area," said UTI-Bloomfield Campus President Steve McElfresh.
"From a community perspective, these are fantastic career opportunities that allow graduates to support themselves and their families, and we are excited to provide their first few steps."
UTI Bloomfield is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
UTI participates in the STEM Education Coalition, a nationwide initiative to ensure science, technology, engineering and math skills are interwoven throughout its curriculum.
For more information, visit www.uti.edu.