Universal Technical Institute Partners with FirstCall to Enhance HVACR Training and Employment Opportunities
- Universal Technical Institute partners with FirstCall Mechanical to enhance HVACR training and provide real-world experience for students.
- Students in the program can gain part-time work experience and potential full-time employment post-graduation with FirstCall Mechanical.
- UTI plans to open new campuses by 2026, expanding its HVACR program to meet increasing industry demand.
Universal Technical Institute Enhances HVACR Training with Strategic Collaboration
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) announces a significant collaboration with FirstCall Mechanical, a leading HVACR services provider, aimed at enhancing its Early Employment Program (EEP) for students in the HVACR program. This partnership provides UTI students at their campuses in Mooresville, Orlando, and Austin with invaluable real-world experience while they pursue their education. Students accepted into the program will engage in part-time employment, working between 20 to 30 hours per week. They will gain hands-on experience in critical areas such as diagnostics, installation, and system maintenance, thus bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
The collaboration also presents students with the potential for full-time employment with FirstCall Mechanical upon graduation. In addition to job placement opportunities, the program offers substantial financial benefits, including up to $10,000 in tuition reimbursement over five years of employment, tool reimbursement, and relocation assistance. Students will also have access to professional development programs through initiatives such as FirstCall Academy, LEAP, and the FirstCall Progression Program. Tracy Lorenz, UTI Division President, underscores the initiative's importance in connecting students with real-world opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to fostering career advancement in the HVACR industry.
This strategic partnership is emblematic of UTI’s broader mission to prepare a skilled workforce in response to the growing demand for HVACR professionals. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average job growth in this sector over the next eight years, UTI is proactively expanding its educational offerings. Currently enrolling students across eleven campuses in seven states, UTI aims to meet industry needs with its comprehensive nine-month HVACR program, covering essential skills in troubleshooting, service, and installation for residential, commercial, and light commercial refrigeration systems.
In addition to the collaboration with FirstCall Mechanical, UTI is poised for further growth with plans to open new campuses in Atlanta and San Antonio by 2026, pending regulatory approval. This expansion is part of UTI's North Star Strategy, emphasizing growth, diversification, and optimization to ensure that students are adequately prepared for essential roles in high-demand fields. UTI continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality education and support services while addressing the critical workforce needs of the skilled trades. For further information about UTI’s programs and initiatives, interested parties can visit the company’s official website.