Bloomfield Auto Repair School Brings Back Free Summer Classes

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Bloomfield is once again giving high school juniors a head start preparing for careers in the transportation industry through Ignite – a no-cost summer program for high school juniors interested in exploring high-tech, in-demand careers. Last year, 16 students attended the program at UTI Bloomfield and received intensive, hands-on, in-person training and the opportunity to earn credits toward a UTI program.

As part of its ongoing effort to address workforce need for skilled transportation technicians, UTI is excited to bring the three-week Ignite program back to full capacity at its campuses nationwide this summer. UTI Bloomfield’s program is scheduled to begin on July 18, 2022.

Ignite participants are given an introductory sample of the technician training programs completed by full-time UTI students. Students explore career opportunities in the transportation field and receive hands-on training on current technologies in UTI's state-of-the-industry classrooms and labs.

“The demand for skilled technicians is extremely high, especially throughout the tri-state area,” said Shawn Alexander, UTI Bloomfield President. “The Ignite program gives us the opportunity to not only provide invaluable training to high school students, but also open their eyes to the career paths available to them upon graduation.”

There are more than 146,000 combined average annual automotive, diesel and welding job openings in the U.S.

UTI launched Ignite nationwide in summer 2018 following a successful pilot program at campuses in Avondale (Phoenix), Ariz.; Houston, Texas; and Orlando, Fla. Participation steadily increased in 2019, before the program went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the three-week program, students have the opportunity to earn UTI credit that can be applied when they enroll.

“The Ignite program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get an idea of the opportunities available to them in the field,” said John Suslowicz, Instructor for the Summer Ignite Program. “I have watched students who have completed in the program come back to attend UTI to train for careers in the transportation sector. This program is a great place to get a head start for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this industry.”

The Ignite program is now accepting applications across UTI's campuses in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas. For more information or to enroll, visit www.uti.edu/ignite.

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