Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Expands Welding Technology Program to Avondale Campus

AVONDALE, Ariz., Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI) announces the expansion of its new Welding Technology program to the UTI-Avondale campus in the Phoenix area. Student and employer interest in the program is high in anticipation of classes scheduled to begin in January 2018.

"UTI-Avondale will be the second UTI campus to offer the Welding Technology program, and more will follow," said Michael Romano, UTI-Avondale campus president. "This is an expansion strategy that supports student enrollment growth, improves the utilization of our facilities and enables us to better meet the needs of employers. Skilled welders are in demand, so UTI is proud to provide yet another avenue for students to get the skills they need for a rewarding career."

In July, UTI-Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) became the first UTI campus to launch the new welding program. The first class was filled to capacity, illustrative of strong student interest.

Welders are increasingly sought in industries ranging from automotive fabrication and motorsports to aerospace, energy and virtually every kind of manufacturing. Between 2014 and 2024, industry will need to fill more than 128,000 new and replacement positions.¹ Welders are particularly in demand for major infrastructure projects that keep our nation moving, including: vehicles, bridges, highways, office buildings, schools, pipelines, power plants, refineries and even spacecraft. 

The UTI Welding Technology program prepares students for certification via the American Welding Society. The program includes hands-on training and instruction through a comprehensive curriculum developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, a global leader in the welding industry.

"Lincoln Electric has a century-long commitment to educating welders," said Jason Scales, Manager of Educational Services at Lincoln Electric. "With the critical shortage of welders today, we accelerated our efforts to provide educators at every level with skills and knowledge that employers demand. We are excited to expand our products, services and expertise to help the UTI team develop an outstanding welding education program."

The 36-week UTI Welding Technology program will train students as entry-level welders and equips them with the knowledge and skills to work in the transportation, construction, structural, pipe and fabrication industries. Courses include Principles of Welding, Gas Metal and Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Pipe Welding, Safety, and more.  

The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and complements UTI's core automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair programs across the nation.

About Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 48 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at www.lincolnelectric.com.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 200,000 graduates in its 52-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 12 campus locations across the United States as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized postsecondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech).

For more information, visit www.uti.edu/. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet and @NASCARTechUTI.

For information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, visit our website at www.uti.edu/disclosure.

¹ Source: Based on data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, www.bls.gov, viewed in July 2017

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                                              

National:
Jody Kent
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
623-445-0872
jkent@uti.edu

Arizona:
Matthew Benson
UTI-Avondale Media Liaison
602-570-7493
mbenson@veridus.com

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SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.