History

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Universal Technical Institute: A Legacy of Technical Education Excellence

Founded in 1965 in Phoenix, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) began with just 11 students and a single building focused on automotive training. Over the decades, Universal Technical Institute has grown into a leading provider of technical education, expanding its curriculum and footprint nationwide to meet the evolving needs of the transportation and skilled trades industries.

In 2003, Universal Technical Institute became a publicly traded company, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The following year, the original Phoenix campus relocated to a modern 282,000 square-foot facility in Avondale, Arizona, offering Automotive Technology II and Diesel Technology II programs.

Nationwide Campus Expansion

Universal Technical Institute growth includes the establishment of campuses across the country:

  • Houston, TX – Opened in 1983; expanded in 1984, 1999, and 2001 to support Automotive, Diesel & Industrial, and Collision Repair programs.
  • Glendale Heights, IL – Opened in 1988; relocated to Lisle in 2013.
  • Mooresville, NC – Opened in 2002.
  • Exton, PA – Opened in 2004.
  • Orlando, FL – Opened in 1986; approved for Automotive Technology in 2004, Diesel Technology in 2015, and began manufacturer-specific training programs starting in 1991.
  • Sacramento, CA – Opened in 2005.
  • Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – Opened in 2009; first Universal Technical Institute campus to offer blended learning.
  • Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Opened in 1998; relocated to a larger facility in 2004.
  • Long Beach, CA – Opened in 2015.
  • Bloomfield, NJ – Opened in 2018.
  • Miramar, FL – Opened in 2022.
  • Austin, TX – Opened in 2022.

Motorcycle Mechanics Training Programs

Universal Technical Institute, formally Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, has grown from a small regional training center into a manufacturer-endorsed institution. Originally founded in 1973 and 1991 as divisions of Clinton Technical Institute, became part of Universal Technical Institute through a 1997 merger.

Universal Technical Institute has built strong partnerships with major motorcycle manufacturers:

  • Harley-Davidson – Dealer training began in 1983.
  • American Honda – HonTech training began in 1986 (Orlando campus) and expanded in 2001.
  • Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. – YamaPro® training began in 1989 and launched in Orlando in 2002.
  • American Suzuki – FAST training began in 1989; marine endorsement received in 1994.
  • Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. – Endorsement received in 1989; K-Tech Specialist Program began in 1997 and launched in Orlando in 1999.
  • BMW Motorrad USA – Training began in Phoenix in 2006 and Orlando in 2009.

Marine Training Programs

Universal Technical Institute expanded into marine training beginning in 1991 with its first outboard marine class in Orlando. Over the years, the program grew through partnerships and endorsements:

  • American Suzuki Marine – Endorsed in 1994.
  • Bombardier Inc./Sea-Doo – Dealer training began in 1995.
  • Volvo Penta of the Americas, Inc. – Authorized training center since 1998; dealer training began in 2000.
  • Mercury Marine – Dealer training began in 1999; MercTech class launched in 2000; provisional certification for students introduced in 2016.
  • Honda Marine – Dealer training began in 1999.

Canton, Michigan

In November 2021, Universal Technical Institute acquired MIAT College of Technology’s campuses in Canton, MI and Houston, TX, expanding its offerings into aviation, energy, HVACR, robotics, and welding.

  • Founded in 1969 as the Detroit Institute of Aeronautics, MIAT began near Willow Run Airport.
  • Moved to Canton in 2010, with a 125,000 sq. ft. facility.
  • FAA-certificated curriculum enabled graduates to pursue A&P Technician certification.
  • Energy programs launched in 2007; HVACR added in 2012.
  • Associate degrees approved in 2012.
  • Robotics and Welding programs introduced in 2018.