Universal Technical Institute – Houston

The Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology Program and the Diesel & Industrial Technology Program 

Students who enroll in either the Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology program or the Diesel & Industrial Technology program at the Universal Technical Institute can rest assured they are receiving the best diesel technology training money can buy since both programs are Master Certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Both the 75-week Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology program and the 45-week Diesel & Industrial Technology program provide students with hands-on training on trucks and heavy equipment from industry giants such as Cummins, Caterpillar, Daimler Trucks of North America, and International on a 220,000 square foot campus that houses 64 classrooms and 18 training labs, located within driving distance of downtown Houston, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and all of Houston’s many attractions. 

In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the basics of the diesel engine system, including the construction, function, and principles of operation of the diesel engine. Through lively class discussions, detailed learning materials, and written assignments, students develop critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills, while strengthening their mathematical computation and technical writing skills. Topics of discussion include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, effective shop management, professional service writing, customer service protocol, and more.

In the laboratory, students observe live demonstrations and obtain practical hands-on training, monitored and guided by their instructors, as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, diesel fuel systems, air brakes, transmissions, chassis, diesel electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, hydraulic systems, truck power trains, transport refrigeration systems, and climate control systems, found on foreign and domestic cars and trucks, buses and coaches, fleet vehicles, industrial equipment, and more. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in proper preventive maintenance and inspection procedures. 

Students learn, hands-on, how to properly perform diesel engine rebuilds and tune-ups using the latest computerized diagnostic equipment, engine analyzers, scan tools, precision measuring instruments, lab scopes, electronic multi-meters, electronic circuit testers, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pneumatic wrenches, lathes, flame cutters, welding equipment, service manuals, and wiring diagrams, as they disassemble, inspect, diagnose, and repair various diesel engines and their integrated system components, replacing and reconditioning the necessary parts, before putting the engines back together.

During the course of the program, students will strengthen their mechanical, technical, and analytical aptitude while developing an eye for detail. Students will learn how to manage their time wisely, as they work both independently and in teams, to complete the tasks assigned to them by their instructors in an accurate, proficient, and thorough manner. Quality workmanship, professionalism, and safety awareness will also be stressed throughout the the Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology program and the Diesel & Industrial Technology program at the Universal Technical Institute. 

Employment Opportunities

As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of California was $50,570 yearly and $24.31 hourly, 12% higher than the national average.

Graduates of either the Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology program or the Diesel & Industrial Technology program at UTI will be equipped with the skills, education, and training needed to secure an entry-level position as an automotive, diesel, or industrial technician.

The Undergraduate Certificate

The Universal Technical Institute offers a 75-week Undergraduate Certificate in Automotive/Diesel & Industrial Technology, as well as a 45-week Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel and Industrial Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible. 

*Program is Master Certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)