Truck maker Freightliner LLC has forged a deal with Phoenix-based Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to launch a Freightliner-specific elective course targeted toward training top graduates of UTI’s diesel program.
This 12-week course, titled Finish FIRST, will be introduced in early 2008 and is designed to hone student skills on Freightliner-branded products. UTI and Freightliner dealers will work together to attract top students into the Finish FIRST program and provide placement assistance for program graduates within the Freightliner dealer network. Freightliner is also providing UTI with trucks, specialized learning aids and tools to conduct the elective course to support the company’s specific training needs.
“Students who participate in the Finish FIRST elective will have greater opportunities in the diesel industry to obtain top jobs using the specialty skills taught in this program,” said Kim McWaters, UTI CEO. “Freightliner will benefit from a more proficient entry-level technician workforce that has been trained specifically to meet its needs.”
“Our service network has concerns about having enough qualified entry-level technicians to fill current and future job openings,” added Jack Conlan, Freightliner’s senior vp-customer support. “The Finish FIRST program will provide our dealers with the opportunity to recruit technicians to help fill these openings.”
