UTI and Porsche Cars Develop First-Ever Technician Apprenticeship Program; New Training Program to Strengthen Future Service Teams at Porsche Dealerships

    PHOENIX, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a
 leading technical education institution, has united with Porsche Cars North
 America (PCNA) to develop the Porsche Technology Apprenticeship Program
 (PTAP), a graduate training program that will provide Porsche dealerships with
 qualified entry-level technicians.
     In order to preserve exceptional customer satisfaction, PCNA relies on a
 consistent high level of performance and expertise from the staff in their
 dealer network.  As a result, Porsche dealers need highly motivated skilled
 and extremely competent service technicians.  In fact, PCNA estimates each of
 their 184 U.S. dealerships currently requires one or more technicians.
     Operated in partnership with UTI, PTAP is a four-month graduate program
 structured around Porsche's mechanical and electrical systems.  Students
 enrolled in PTAP will learn key skills such as information technology,
 electronics theory, computer systems and mechanical competencies.  At the end
 of the program, students will qualify as a Porsche service technician.  In
 order to graduate, they are required to master a predetermined set of skills.
 Afterwards, graduates will be eligible for employment with hiring authorized
 Porsche dealers.
     Before entering PTAP, students must complete UTI's ASE Mastered Certified
 Automotive Technology Program.  UTI's automotive technology training includes
 coursework in computer systems, diagnostics, troubleshooting and service and
 repair.
     "UTI's automotive technology program teaches the fundamental skills we
 require for apprentices," says Chris Gilman, technical training manager for
 PCNA.  "This basic knowledge is essential to the development of competent
 Porsche technicians."
     Each student's training tuition is paid by PCNA and the hiring authorized
 Porsche dealer.  "Because the demand for technicians is high, PTAP graduates
 can basically hand pick the dealer they want to work for," says Gilman.
 "Since Porsche is a forerunner in the advancement of automotive technology,
 it's an exciting time to work for one of our dealers.  When a technician
 starts a career with Porsche, they stay with Porsche."
     Located in Atlanta, Ga., the Porsche Cars service training center is near
 the U.S. headquarters for PCNA.  The 11,000 square-foot facility houses two
 classrooms and two workshop areas.  The center also provides Porsche-specific
 tools, workshop equipment and Porsche models built over the previous seven
 years.
     PCNA is the sole and exclusive importer and distributor of Porsche
 automobiles, automobile parts and accessories for the United States and
 Canada.  PCNA was formed in January 1984 and began operation in September
 1984.  In January 1995, PCNA assumed distribution operations for Canada.  PCNA
 sells Porsche automobiles, parts and accessories through 207 dealers in the
 U.S. and Canada.  Log on to www.us.porsche.com for more information.
     Founded in 1965 in Phoenix, Ariz., UTI is recognized as one of the top
 technical education institutions in the U.S.  UTI offers accelerated
 career-specific training in automotive, diesel, heating/ventilation/air
 conditioning/refrigeration, marine, motorcycle and personal watercraft.  The
 company has graduated more than 50,000 students and maintains campuses in
 Phoenix, Ariz.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Glendale Heights,
 Ill. and Houston, Tex.  For more information about UTI and automotive graduate
 training programs, log on to www.uticorp.com.
 
 

SOURCE  Universal Technical Institute